Liquid ammonia, ammonia gas, ammonium hydroxide

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Ammonia water, also known as ammonium hydroxide, is a combination of ammonia gas and water. Its basic composition is a solution formed by the reaction of ammonia (NH3) with water (H2O); the NH3·H2O molecules in this solution can ionize to produce hydroxide ions (OH-), which gives ammonia water its weakly alkaline properties. In industry and laboratories, ammonia water is widely used due to its physical and chemical properties. Liquid ammonia, on the other hand, is pure ammonia in its liquid state; it is usually produced by compressing or cooling gaseous ammonia. This process not only demonstrates the diversity of ammonia but also reveals its importance in industrial production. Liquid ammonia plays a key role in many chemical processes, but due to its high corrosivity and volatility, extreme care must be taken when using it to prevent chemical accidents. Ammonia exists as a colorless gas with a pungent odor, and its distinctive smell often alerts people. At the same time, ammonia is highly soluble in water to form ammonium hydroxide; therefore, in various chemical reactions, liquid ammonia and ammonium hydroxide are often used as important reaction materials. In summary, ammonia is the gaseous form of ammonia, liquid ammonia is ammonia in its liquid state, while ammonia water is a solution formed by the combination of ammonia gas and water. There are clear distinctions among these three, yet they are also closely connected. Gaseous ammonia can be converted into liquid ammonia through liquefaction, and liquid ammonia or gaseous ammonia mixed with water can quickly produce ammonia water. This transition from gaseous and liquid states to aqueous solutions demonstrates the versatility of ammonia and its fundamental role in chemical and industrial applications. Therefore, a thorough understanding of the relationship among these three elements not only helps us grasp the chemical properties of ammonia but also enables better application in related practical operations, thereby improving the safety and efficiency of production. Liquid ammonia is a non-electrolyte and cannot conduct electricity ； Ammonia water, although not an electrolyte, can conduct electricity. Electrolytes are compounds that can conduct electricity in an aqueous solution or in a molten state; conductivity must arise from the compound itself. For example, ammonia gas or liquid ammonia, when dissolved in water, can conduct electricity – it is the ammonium hydroxide that conducts electricity, while ammonia gas or liquid ammonia themselves do not conduct electricity. Therefore, ammonium hydroxide is an electrolyte, whereas ammonia gas and liquid ammonia are non-electrolytes. Liquid ammonia: In the defense industry, it is used as a propellant for rockets and missiles. It can be used as a raw material for ammonia-based organic chemical products; since liquid ammonia turns into gaseous ammonia upon vaporization, it is capable of absorbing a large amount of heat, which is why it is known as a \"refrigerant\". At the same time, liquid ammonia has certain bactericidal properties; therefore, it is used in poultry farming for sterilization and cooling purposes. Ammonia water: Laboratory uses – Ammonia water is an important reagent in laboratories, primarily used as an analytical reagent, a neutralizing agent, an extractant for alkaloids, in the synthesis of aluminum salts, and as a weakly basic solvent. Used for the synthesis of aluminum salts and the detection and determination of certain elements such as copper and nickel, as well as for precipitating hydroxides of various elements. Military use: as an alkaline disinfectant, it is used to disinfect sarin-type toxins. A 10% concentration of dilute ammonia water (density 0.960) is commonly used, while a 20% concentration is used in winter. Industrial uses: It is employed in industries such as wool processing, silk production, and printing and dyeing for washing wool, knit fabrics, and raw cloth, as well as for dissolving substances and adjusting pH levels, and it also serves as a dyeing aid. In the organic industry, it is used as an aminating agent and as a catalyst for producing thermosetting phenol-formaldehyde resins; in the inorganic industry, it is used to produce various iron salts.