Ammonia

Ammonia (CAS 7664-41-7), also known as anhydrous ammonia, is one of the highest-volume industrial chemicals in global trade.

Where is Ammonia used?

• Agriculture: direct soil fertilizer and feedstock for urea, ammonium nitrate and other nitrogen-based fertilizers
• Water treatment: forms chloramines during disinfection for longer-lasting residual protection in municipal distribution systems
• Textile, pulp and paper: pH regulation during fiber processing, bleaching and dyeing
• Oil refining and gas processing: neutralizes acidic byproducts in process streams, protecting equipment from corrosion
• Refrigeration: used as a refrigerant in sports facilities such as arenas, ice rinks and curling rinks, as well as in food processing plants and cold storage warehouses.
• It also functions as a nitrogen source, alkalizing agent and chemical intermediate.

Formulation notes

• Ammonia (a gas, CAS 7664-41-7) must not be confused with ammonia solution (a liquid, CAS 1336-21-6).

Typical specification

• Ammonia solution (ammonium hydroxide) is an aqueous solution of ammonia containing between 20% and 30% ammonia, with the most commonly used being 27% to 30%.
• The term 'aqueous ammonia solution' is used if the concentration is unknown or if it is below 20% or above 30%.
• Ammonia gas can be compressed and under pressure can transform into a liquid.

Regulatory status

• Ammonia is classified as H331, toxic if inhaled.
• Ammonia is classified as H221, a flammable gas.

Storage, packaging and handling

• Ammonia is not highly flammable, but ammonia containers can explode when exposed to high heat.
• Ammonia is usually shipped as a compressed liquid in steel containers.

Frequently asked questions about Ammonia

Are the harmonised classifications for ammonia sufficient for compliance?

The harmonised classifications for ammonia are mandatory and must be supplemented where applicable by the supplier's own self-classification.

Technical content is compiled and updated by the SoleChem product team from public technical sources; the certificate of analysis (COA) governs product-specific specifications.