Ammonia and Hydrochloric Acid (White Smoke)
NH3 + HCl → NH4Cl
Overview
Ammonia gas reacts with hydrogen chloride gas to form white fumes of ammonium chloride solid. This dramatic reaction occurs when concentrated ammonia and hydrochloric acid bottles are placed near each other, as the vapors meet in air and create a white smoke cloud.
Participants
| Role | Substance | Coefficient | State |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reactant | Ammonia NH₃ | 1 | (g) |
| Reactant | Hydrochloric Acid HCl | 1 | (g) |
Everyday Example
The white smoke that forms when bottles of ammonia and HCl are opened near each other is one of the most striking gas-phase chemistry demonstrations.
Industrial Importance
Ammonium chloride is used in soldering flux, in zinc-carbon batteries, as a nitrogen fertilizer, and in cough medicine formulations.
Properties
- Type
- Double Replacement
- Reversible
- Yes
- Energy
- Exothermic
- ΔH
- -176.0 kJ/mol
Related Reactions
Aluminum Hydroxide and Hydrochloric Acid
Barium Chloride and Sodium Sulfate Precipitation
Calcium Carbonate and Hydrochloric Acid
Calcium Chloride and Sodium Carbonate
Calcium Hydroxide and Carbon Dioxide (Limewater Test)
Calcium Hydroxide and Sulfuric Acid
Copper(II) Sulfate and Sodium Hydroxide
Iron(III) Chloride and Sodium Hydroxide
Lead Nitrate and Potassium Iodide (Golden Rain)
Magnesium Hydroxide and Hydrochloric Acid (Antacid)
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the equation for Ammonia and Hydrochloric Acid (White Smoke)?
The balanced equation is: NH₃ + HCl → NH₄Cl.
What type of reaction is Ammonia and Hydrochloric Acid (White Smoke)?
Ammonia and Hydrochloric Acid (White Smoke) is a double replacement reaction. It is reversible under certain conditions.
Is Ammonia and Hydrochloric Acid (White Smoke) exothermic or endothermic?
Ammonia and Hydrochloric Acid (White Smoke) is exothermic (releases energy). The enthalpy change (ΔH) is -176.0 kJ/mol.