Summary
Ammonia (NH₃) is a simple molecule—one nitrogen atom and three hydrogen atoms. It occurs naturally in the nitrogen cycle, has been produced, stored and shipped at industrial scale for more than a century, and today is essential to food production and many industries. It’s colorless with a sharp smell, highly soluble in water, and—while toxic at high concentrations—well understood and safely handled under proven standards.
Key facts
| Property | Value / Behavior | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Chemical formula | NH₃ (one nitrogen + three hydrogen atoms) | Defines the molecule used across fertilizer, industry, and energy. |
| State & odor | Colorless gas with a sharp, recognizable smell | Early human detection at low levels helps people move away quickly. |
| Boiling point | −33 °C (−28 °F) | Liquefies under moderate pressure/cooling—useful for storage and shipping. |
| Solubility | Highly soluble in water (forms ammonium hydroxide) | Important for handling procedures and emergency response design. |
| Relative density (gas) | Typically lighter than air when warm; cold releases can form a visible aerosol cloud | Explains why plumes may rise in warm conditions or hug the ground when cold. |
| Flammability | Narrow flammable range in air (~15–28% by volume); high ignition energy | Lower open-air fire/explosion risk vs. many hydrocarbons; confined-space risks still engineered for. |
| Human exposure cues | Odor noticeable at low ppm; IDLH reference: 300 ppm | Guides workplace limits, detection, and PPE planning. |
| Global scale today | ~150–180 million tonnes produced per year (majority for fertilizers) | Shows the maturity of production, storage, and transport infrastructure. |
