Aqeous Ammonia Solution Extra Pure
- SHORT DESCRIPTION
Aqueous Ammonia Solution Extra Pure is a high-purity, clear, colorless liquid consisting of ammonia gas dissolved in water, emitting a strong, characteristic odor. It is widely used in laboratory chemistry as a weak base and complexing agent in acid-base titrations, buffer preparation, and qualitative inorganic analysis, particularly for detecting metal ions through complex formation. It also plays a role in pH adjustment, sample preparation, and synthesis of ammonium compounds. The extra pure grade ensures low levels of impurities, making it ideal for sensitive analytical procedures and high-precision research. Due to its volatility and corrosive nature, it should be handled in well-ventilated areas and stored in tightly sealed, chemical-resistant containers away from heat and direct sunlight.
- USES
Primary Uses
- Alkaline Reagent and pH Adjuster
- Commonly used to raise pH in titrations, buffer preparation, and general aqueous reactions.
- Complexing Agent in Inorganic Analysis
- Forms ammonia complexes with metal ions (e.g., Cu²⁺, Ag⁺, Ni²⁺), aiding in qualitative analysis and separation of cations.
- Precipitant in Group III and IV Inorganic Qualitative Analysis
- Used to precipitate metal hydroxides such as Fe(OH)₃, Al(OH)₃, Zn(OH)₂ under controlled pH.
- Neutralizing Agent in Acid–Base Titrations
- A weak base used in titrations and buffer studies, especially for demonstrating weak base–strong acid behavior.
- Preparation of Ammonium Salts and Lab Reagents
- Reacts with acids or acidic oxides to form ammonium salts (e.g., NH₄Cl, NH₄NO₃) for synthesis or calibration.
Secondary Uses
- Cleaning Agent for Glassware and Electrodes
- Removes organic residues or metal deposits from lab equipment, especially when combined with peroxide or acids (used with caution).
- Reagent in Nessler’s Test for Ammonia Detection
- Forms colored complex with Nessler’s reagent — useful in trace ammonia or nitrogen analysis.
- Reducing Agent in Redox Systems (Mild Conditions)
- In select systems, can act as a reducing agent or participate in redox equilibria (e.g., silver oxide reduction).
- Ligand in Coordination Complex Synthesis
- Introduces labile NH₃ ligands into metal centers in coordination and transition metal chemistry studies.
- Demonstration of Gas Solubility and Equilibrium
- Used to show Henry’s Law, dynamic equilibria, and acid–base gas absorption phenomena.
KEY ATTRIBUTES
1. Basic Identification Attributes
- Chemical Name: Ammonia Solution (Aqueous Ammonia)
- CAS Number: 1336-21-6
- HS Code: 28142000 (Ammonia in aqueous solution)
- Molecular Formula: NH₄OH (often written, though it exists in equilibrium as NH₃ + H₂O)
- Synonyms:
- Aqueous ammonia
- Ammonium hydroxide
- Aqua ammonia
- Ammonia water
2. Physical & Chemical Properties
- Physical State: Liquid
- Color & Odor: Colorless liquid with a strong pungent, ammonia-like odor
- Boiling Point: ~27–33 °C (for concentrated solutions)
- Melting Point: ~−57.5 °C
- Density/Specific Gravity: ~0.91 g/cm³ (for ~25–30% NH₃ solution)
- Solubility:
- Water: Completely miscible
- Ethanol: Soluble
- pH Level: ~11.6–12.5 (depending on concentration)
- Vapor Pressure: High – releases ammonia gas readily
- Flash Point: Not flammable, but ammonia vapors are flammable in air (~651 °C autoignition)
- Autoignition Temperature: ~651 °C
- Viscosity: ~0.88 mPa·s
3. Safety & Hazard Attributes
- Hazard Class (GHS):
- Skin Corrosion/Irritation (Category 2)
- Serious Eye Damage (Category 1)
- Aquatic Toxicity – Acute & Chronic (Category 2)
- NFPA Ratings:
- Health: 3
- Flammability: 1
- Reactivity: 0
- Exposure Limits:
- OSHA PEL: 50 ppm (35 mg/m³)
- ACGIH TLV: 25 ppm TWA, 35 ppm STEL
- Reactivity:
- Reacts with acids, oxidizers, and halogens
- Can form explosive mixtures with air at high concentrations
4. Storage & Handling Attributes
- Storage Conditions:
- Store in a cool, well-ventilated area away from heat and acids
- Keep containers tightly sealed to prevent gas escape
- Incompatible Materials:
- Acids, halogens (e.g., chlorine), hypochlorites, strong oxidizers, metals like copper and zinc
- Container Type:
- Vented HDPE plastic or glass bottles
- Shelf Life & Expiration Date:
- ~1 year (ammonia concentration decreases over time)
- Special Handling Requirements:
- Use chemical-resistant gloves, goggles, and lab coat
- Work under fume hood due to strong vapors
5. Regulatory & Compliance Attributes
- Regulatory Status:
- Listed in TSCA, REACH, and regulated under OSHA, DOT
- Transportation Restrictions:
- UN Number: UN 2672
- Hazard Class: 8 (Corrosive), Packing Group III
- Waste Disposal Method:
- Neutralize with dilute acid under controlled conditions
- Dispose through certified hazardous waste handler
6. Environmental & Health Impact
- Ecotoxicity:
- Very toxic to aquatic life due to pH elevation and ammonia toxicity
- Persistence in Environment:
- Volatile, but ammonia can accumulate in enclosed systems
- Carcinogenicity/Mutagenicity:
- Not classified as carcinogenic
- Biodegradability:
- Inorganic; ammonia is naturally assimilated by soil and plants but in excess is harmful
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
- Personal Protective Equipment (PPE):
- Wear:
- Lab coat
- Chemical splash goggles
- Nitrile or neoprene gloves
- Face shield (for large volumes or risk of splashing)
- Use only in a fume hood—vapors are sharp and irritating.
- Wear:
- Handling:
- Avoid inhalation of vapors.
- Prevent contact with skin, eyes, or clothing.
- Open containers carefully—ammonia fumes are volatile and corrosive.
- Never mix with acids—can cause violent reactions and release large amounts of ammonia gas.
- Storage:
- Keep in a tightly sealed container in a cool, well-ventilated place.
- Store away from:
- Acids
- Oxidizing agents
- Heat and direct sunlight
- Use corrosion-resistant storage containers (e.g., HDPE).
- Hygiene Measures:
- Wash hands after handling.
- Avoid touching your face or eyes while working with the solution.
- Clean surfaces thoroughly after spills or use.
FIRST AID MEASURES
- Inhalation:
- Move the person to fresh air immediately.
- Loosen tight clothing and ensure open airways.
- Provide oxygen if breathing is labored.
- Seek urgent medical attention—vapors may cause respiratory irritation or lung damage.
- Skin Contact:
- Remove contaminated clothing.
- Rinse skin with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes.
- Seek medical attention if irritation or burns develop.
- Eye Contact:
- Rinse cautiously with water for at least 15 minutes, holding eyelids apart.
- Remove contact lenses if present and easy to do.
- Seek immediate medical attention—can cause severe eye burns and permanent damage.
- Ingestion:
- Rinse mouth thoroughly with water.
- Do not induce vomiting.
- Give water or milk if the person is fully conscious.
- Seek emergency medical care—ingestion can result in burns to the mouth, throat, and stomach.
FIRE FIGHTING MEASURES
- Extinguishing Media:
- Use dry chemicals, CO₂, alcohol-resistant foam, or water spray.
- Do not use water jets directly on ammonia tanks.
- Fire Hazards:
- Not flammable, but heating can release flammable ammonia gas.
- Containers may rupture under heat due to vapor pressure.
- Thermal decomposition can release:
- Ammonia (NH₃)
- Nitrogen oxides (NOₓ)
- Protective Equipment:
- Firefighters must wear self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) and full protective clothing.
- Firefighting Instructions:
- Cool fire-exposed containers with water spray.
- Approach from upwind to avoid vapors.
- Prevent runoff from entering drains—toxic to aquatic life.