Ammonia and Ammonium Chloride  Related but Different Chemicals

Ammonia (NH₃)

• Description: A colorless gas with a strong pungent odor
• Properties: Highly soluble in water forming ammonium hydroxide (a basic solution)
• Uses:
  • Fertilizer production
  • Cleaning products
  • Refrigeration gas
  • Precursor for many chemicals
• Safety:
  • Toxic and irritating if inhaled
  • Highly alkaline and corrosive in concentrated solutions

Ammonium Chloride (NH₄Cl)

• Description: A white crystalline salt formed when ammonia reacts with hydrochloric acid
• Properties:
  • Solid, highly soluble in water
  • Slightly acidic aqueous solutions
• Uses:
  • Fertilizer providing nitrogen and chlorine nutrients
  • Electrolyte in dry cell batteries
  • Flux in metalwork (soldering, galvanizing)
  • Pharmaceutical expectorant and cough medicine ingredient
• Safety:
  • Low toxicity but avoid inhaling dust
  • Handle with protective gear

Relationship

• Chemical link: Ammonium chloride is the salt formed from ammonia neutralized by hydrochloric acid.
• Ammonia is a base gas; ammonium chloride is a solid salt.