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.