Question #75025
What is ammonium hydroxide?Explain with a suitable equation why the term is misleading and what would be a better term for it
Expert's answer
Answer
NH4OH is a simplified designation of ammonia hydrate NH3·H2O, which is formed by
dissolving ammonia in water. During this an equilibrium system is formed, in which the ammonia
molecules, ammonium ions and hydroxide ions coexist, however, it is not possible to separate it
from the ammonium hydroxide as a separate substance.
NH3 + H2O ⇌ NH4OH ⇌ NH4
+ + OH−
In a 1M ammonia solution, about 1.42% of the ammonia is converted to ammonium, so
better terms for it are aqueous ammonia or ammonia hydrate.
NH4OH is a simplified designation of ammonia hydrate NH3·H2O, which is formed by
dissolving ammonia in water. During this an equilibrium system is formed, in which the ammonia
molecules, ammonium ions and hydroxide ions coexist, however, it is not possible to separate it
from the ammonium hydroxide as a separate substance.
NH3 + H2O ⇌ NH4OH ⇌ NH4
+ + OH−
In a 1M ammonia solution, about 1.42% of the ammonia is converted to ammonium, so
better terms for it are aqueous ammonia or ammonia hydrate.
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