Question

Write the balanced reaction of ammonia with excess chlorine?

Answer 1

Hint: Ammonia is a colorless gas with a pungent smell. It is a hazardous substance and forms an explosive substance when reacted with excess chlorine $\left( {C{l_2}} \right)$.

Complete step by step answer:
As we know that ammonia is a chemical compound with formula $N{H_3}$. Ammonia is a colorless gas with a characteristic pungent smell. It is a hazardous gas in its concentrated form. Therefore, the industries producing, storing and using it, is subjected to strict reporting/supervision. Ammonia is used in many places. It is used as a fertilizer for plants or crops. In the household, ammoniacal solution is used as a cleaner for many surfaces. Its most common use in households is to clean glass and stainless steel products. Solution of ammonia is also used in the fermentation industry as a source of nitrogen for microorganisms. It is also used as an antimicrobial agent for food products.

The ammonia is mainly produced in industries by Haber’s-process. In this process, nitrogen and hydrogen gas react at temperature ${450^\circ }C$ and high pressure to give ammonia.
i.e. ${N_2} + 3{H_2}\xrightarrow{\Delta }2N{H_3}{\text{ }};{\text{ }}\Delta {\rm H} = - \alpha 1.sJrmo{l^{ - 1}}$
Now, when chlorine gas is taken in excess and is reacted with ammonia, it removes all Nitrogen atoms and replaces them with chlorine atoms to give explosive liquid nitrogen trichloride $\left( {NC{l_3}} \right)$.
i.e. \[N{H_3}\left( {ammonia} \right) + 3C{l_2}\left( {Excess} \right) \to NC{l_3}\left( {Nitrogen{\text{ }}Trichloride} \right) + 3HCl\]
which is the required reaction.


Note:
The proper precautions should be taken before doing the above process as the product $NC{l_3}$ is not exposed to air and water.This yellow, oily, pungent-smelling and explosive liquid is most commonly encountered as a byproduct of chemical reactions between ammonia-derivatives and chlorine.