Ammonia vs. Ammonium Hydroxide: Know the Difference
By Shumaila Saeed || Published on January 5, 2024
Ammonia (NH3) is a colorless gas with a pungent smell, used in fertilizers and cleaners; Ammonium Hydroxide (NH4OH) is a solution of ammonia in water, used as a cleaning agent and alkalizer.
Key Differences
Ammonia, chemically denoted as NH3, is a colorless gas known for its sharp, pungent odor, widely used in the production of fertilizers and industrial cleaners. Ammonium Hydroxide, NH4OH, is a solution formed when ammonia gas dissolves in water, often used as a household cleaning agent due to its alkaline properties.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 05, 2024
In its pure form, Ammonia is used in the manufacturing of plastics, explosives, and synthetic fibers, being a crucial building block in the chemical industry. Ammonium Hydroxide, on the other hand, is commonly employed as a milder cleaning agent, and in textile manufacturing, it serves as a precursor to various compounds.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 05, 2024
Ammonia can be liquefied under pressure and is often stored in this form for industrial uses. In contrast, Ammonium Hydroxide is typically available as an aqueous solution, varying in concentration depending on its intended use.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 05, 2024
As a base, Ammonia is a critical component in balancing soil acidity in agriculture. Ammonium Hydroxide is used in food processing as a pH adjuster and has applications in water treatment to neutralize acidic compounds.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 05, 2024
Ammonia's reactivity and volatility make it a key reactant in many industrial processes, while Ammonium Hydroxide, being a solution, is less reactive and more stable, suitable for use in various domestic and commercial applications.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 05, 2024
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Comparison Chart
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Ammonia and Ammonium Hydroxide Definitions
Ammonia
Soluble in water, forming ammonium hydroxide.
When Ammonia mixes with water, it forms ammonium hydroxide.
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Dec 28, 2023
Ammonium Hydroxide
Employed in food processing and water treatment.
Ammonium Hydroxide adjusts the acidity in certain food products.
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Dec 28, 2023
Ammonia
A colorless gas with a distinctive sharp smell.
The smell of Ammonia was strong in the industrial area.
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Dec 28, 2023
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Ammonium Hydroxide
A milder form of ammonia for domestic use.
For cleaning windows, a dilute Ammonium Hydroxide solution is effective.
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Dec 28, 2023
Ammonia
Used in the manufacture of fertilizers and explosives.
Ammonia is essential in creating effective agricultural fertilizers.
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Dec 28, 2023
Ammonium Hydroxide
Used as a cleaning agent and alkalizer.
The floors were cleaned with a solution of Ammonium Hydroxide.
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Dec 28, 2023
Ammonia
Employed in the production of plastics and textiles.
Ammonia is crucial in the synthesis of certain synthetic fibers.
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Dec 28, 2023
Ammonium Hydroxide
A solution of ammonia gas in water.
Ammonium Hydroxide is commonly used as a household cleaner.
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Dec 28, 2023
Ammonia
A colorless, pungent gas, NH3, extensively used to manufacture fertilizers and a wide variety of nitrogen-containing organic and inorganic chemicals. Ammonia is the chief nitrogen product excreted by fish and other aquatic animals.
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Dec 27, 2023
Ammonium Hydroxide
Has the chemical formula NH4OH.
In the lab, we used Ammonium Hydroxide for pH experiments.
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Dec 28, 2023
Ammonia
(inorganic compound) A gaseous compound of hydrogen and nitrogen, NH3, with a pungent smell and taste.
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Dec 27, 2023
Ammonia
A solution of this compound in water used domestically as a cleaning fluid.
Never use ammonia to clean metal writing pens.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 27, 2023
Ammonia
A gaseous compound of hydrogen and nitrogen, NH3, with a pungent smell and taste: - often called volatile alkali, and spirits of hartshorn.
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Dec 27, 2023
Ammonia
A compound with the chemical formula NH3.
The chemical plant processes large quantities of Ammonia, or NH3.
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Dec 28, 2023
Repeatedly Asked Queries
How are Ammonia and Ammonium Hydroxide related?
Ammonium Hydroxide is formed when Ammonia dissolves in water.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 05, 2024
Where is Ammonia commonly used?
In agriculture for fertilizers and in the production of plastics.
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Jan 05, 2024
What is Ammonium Hydroxide?
A solution of ammonia in water, used as a cleaner and pH adjuster.
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Jan 05, 2024
Is Ammonia harmful to humans?
In high concentrations, it can be toxic and irritating.
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Jan 05, 2024
What are the uses of Ammonium Hydroxide?
As a cleaning agent, in food processing, and water treatment.
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Jan 05, 2024
What is Ammonia?
A pungent, colorless gas used in various industrial processes.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 05, 2024
Can Ammonium Hydroxide be used safely at home?
Yes, in diluted forms, it is safe for cleaning purposes.
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Jan 05, 2024
Can Ammonia be used directly in agriculture?
It’s used in the form of fertilizers, not directly.
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Jan 05, 2024
How is Ammonia stored for industrial use?
Often in liquefied form under pressure.
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Jan 05, 2024
Can Ammonium Hydroxide be used in textiles?
Yes, in textile manufacturing for various treatments.
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Jan 05, 2024
What safety precautions are needed when using Ammonia?
Adequate ventilation and protective gear are recommended.
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Jan 05, 2024
Is Ammonium Hydroxide harmful if inhaled?
In large amounts, it can be irritating.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 05, 2024
Can Ammonia be used in cleaning?
Yes, but it’s usually in the form of ammonium hydroxide.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 05, 2024
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About Author
Written by
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed, an expert content creator with 6 years of experience, specializes in distilling complex topics into easily digestible comparisons, shining a light on the nuances that both inform and educate readers with clarity and accuracy.
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