Ammonium
Ammonium is an ion. It is an ammonia molecule, NH3, protonated (with a hydrogen ion added) to make NH4+. It bonds with negative ions such as chloride to make salts such as ammonium chloride. Ammonium is slightly reducing so it can react with strong oxidizing agents.
| Ammonium | |
|---|---|
| IUPAC name | Ammonium ion |
Azanium[1] | |
| Identifiers | |
| CAS number | |
| PubChem | |
| MeSH | |
| ChEBI | CHEBI:28938 |
| SMILES | [NH4+] |
| Properties | |
| Molecular formula | H4N |
| Molar mass | 18.04 g mol-1 |
| Acidity (pKa) | 9.25 |
| Structure | |
| Molecular shape | Tetrahedral |
| Except where noted otherwise, data are given for materials in their standard state (at 25 °C, 100 kPa) | |
Ammonium Media
Fumes from hydrochloric acid and ammonia forming a white cloud of ammonium chloride
Ammonium exists as a result of ammonification and decomposers. Ammonium is eventually nitrified, where it contributes to the flow of nitrogen through the ecosystem. Human impacts are not shown here, but can impact the global nitrogen cycle.