Nitric Acid and Ammonia (Ammonium Nitrate)
HNO3 + NH3 → NH4NO3
Overview
Nitric acid reacts with ammonia to form ammonium nitrate, the world's most widely used nitrogen fertilizer. This exothermic reaction must be carefully controlled in industrial production. Ammonium nitrate contains 34% nitrogen, the highest of common solid fertilizers.
Participants
| Role | Substance | Coefficient | State |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reactant | Nitric Acid HNO₃ | 1 | (aq) |
| Reactant | Ammonia NH₃ | 1 | (g) |
Everyday Example
Ammonium nitrate instant cold packs work by dissolving the salt in water endothermically, providing cold therapy for sports injuries.
Industrial Importance
Over 20 million tonnes of ammonium nitrate are produced annually for fertilizers and mining explosives. Safe storage is critical as it can detonate under certain conditions.
Properties
- Type
- Acid-Base
- Reversible
- No
- Energy
- Exothermic
- ΔH
- -145.1 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
Ammonia and Hydrochloric Acid
Ascorbic Acid and Sodium Hydroxide
Barium Hydroxide and Ammonium Thiocyanate (Endothermic)
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the equation for Nitric Acid and Ammonia (Ammonium Nitrate)?
The balanced equation is: HNO₃ + NH₃ → NH₄NO₃.
What type of reaction is Nitric Acid and Ammonia (Ammonium Nitrate)?
Nitric Acid and Ammonia (Ammonium Nitrate) is a acid-base reaction.
Is Nitric Acid and Ammonia (Ammonium Nitrate) exothermic or endothermic?
Nitric Acid and Ammonia (Ammonium Nitrate) is exothermic (releases energy). The enthalpy change (ΔH) is -145.1 kJ/mol.