Ammonia and Hydrochloric Acid
NH3 + HCl → NH4Cl
Overview
Ammonia gas reacts with hydrogen chloride gas to form white fumes of ammonium chloride. In aqueous solution, ammonia acts as a Brønsted base by accepting a proton from HCl. This reaction produces dense white smoke when concentrated solutions are brought near each other, one of chemistry's most dramatic demonstrations.
Participants
| Role | Substance | Coefficient | State |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reactant | Ammonia NH₃ | 1 | (g) |
| Reactant | Hydrochloric Acid HCl | 1 | (g) |
Everyday Example
The white smoke that appears when bottles of ammonia and hydrochloric acid are opened near each other demonstrates gas-phase acid-base chemistry.
Industrial Importance
Ammonium chloride is used in galvanizing flux, dry cell batteries, as a nitrogen fertilizer, and in cough medicine formulations.
Properties
- Type
- Acid-Base
- Reversible
- Yes
- Energy
- Exothermic
- ΔH
- -176.0 kJ/mol
Related Reactions
Acetic Acid and Sodium Acetate Buffer System
Acetic Acid and Sodium Hydroxide Neutralization
Acetic Acid Dissociation in Water
Aluminum Chloride and Chloride Ion (Lewis Acid-Base)
Aluminum Hydroxide as Amphoteric Acid with NaOH
Aluminum Hydroxide as Amphoteric Base with HCl
Ammonia and Ammonium Chloride Buffer System
Ascorbic Acid and Sodium Hydroxide
Barium Hydroxide and Ammonium Thiocyanate (Endothermic)
Benzoic Acid and Sodium Hydroxide
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the equation for Ammonia and Hydrochloric Acid?
The balanced equation is: NH₃ + HCl → NH₄Cl.
What type of reaction is Ammonia and Hydrochloric Acid?
Ammonia and Hydrochloric Acid is a acid-base reaction. It is reversible under certain conditions.
Is Ammonia and Hydrochloric Acid exothermic or endothermic?
Ammonia and Hydrochloric Acid is exothermic (releases energy). The enthalpy change (ΔH) is -176.0 kJ/mol.