Question

1. Which feature of the ammonia molecule leads to the formation of the ammonium ion when ammonia dissolves in water?
2. Name the other ion formed when ammonia dissolves in water.
3. Give one test that can be used to detect the presence of the ion produced in (a) and (b).

Answer 1

1. This shows that the ammonia molecule accepts an H⁺ ion from water to form the ammonium ion.
   \[\ce{NH3 + H2O <=> NH2OH}\]
   \[\ce{NH4OH <=> NH+_{4}OH^-}\]
2. Hydroxyl ion [OH⁻]
3. The red litmus paper turns blue because the solution contains hydroxyl ions.