Sciencemadness Discussion Board

Is this right?

TheDulki - 6-10-2013 at 13:21

Hey, is this Formula right:

NH4OH + KNO3 = KOH + NH4NO3

And if it is right, hos do i seperate the two?


Sorry if i wrote anyyhing wrong. I'm completely new to chemistry.

Justin Blaise - 6-10-2013 at 13:53

The reverse reaction is much more favorable due to the fact that NH4OH is in equilibrium with gaseous ammonia and water (NH3 +H2O --> NH4OH). This reaction also favors the products due to favorably increasing entropy. If the reaction you proposed does occur, I would guess that it would only occur to a tiny extent.

WPK0129 - 8-10-2013 at 14:14

True. If you do manage to make it, separating the two would be tricky while still keeping them as KOH and NH4NO3 and not some other compounds. It seems that KOH is not soluble in liquid ammonia (no warmer than -33 degrees celsius), but NH4NO3 is. Keeping things that cold would be a challenge for your average person without dry ice, etc.

WPK0129 - 8-10-2013 at 14:15

Plus, if you have any KNO3 leftover, that would dissolve in the ammonia, too.