Anhydrous ammonia is a chemical compound that is widely used in various industrial applications. It is a colorless gas with a pungent odor and is highly reactive. In this article, we will explore the definition, origin, meaning, associations, synonyms, antonyms, and example sentences of anhydrous ammonia.
Definitions
Anhydrous ammonia is defined as a gas that is composed of nitrogen and hydrogen. It is called anhydrous because it does not contain any water molecules. It is highly soluble in water and can be easily liquefied under pressure.
Origin
The origin of anhydrous ammonia can be traced back to the early 19th century when it was first discovered by the French chemist Charles-Michel de l’Épée. He observed that ammonia gas could be obtained by heating ammonium chloride with lime. Later, in 1823, another French chemist, Charles Cagniard de la Tour, discovered that ammonia gas could be liquefied under pressure.
Meaning in different dictionaries
According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, anhydrous ammonia is defined as “ammonia that is free from water and is used especially as a fertilizer, refrigerant, and in the manufacture of explosives and cleaning compounds.”
The Oxford English Dictionary defines anhydrous ammonia as “a colorless gas with a pungent odor, composed of nitrogen and hydrogen, used in the manufacture of fertilizers, refrigerants, and cleaning compounds.”
Associations
Anhydrous ammonia is commonly associated with the agricultural industry as it is widely used as a fertilizer. It is also used in the manufacturing of refrigerants, cleaning compounds, and explosives. However, it is important to note that anhydrous ammonia is a hazardous substance and can pose a serious threat to human health and the environment if not handled properly.
Synonyms
Some synonyms of anhydrous ammonia include ammonia gas, dry ammonia, and anhydrous liquid ammonia.
Antonyms
There are no direct antonyms of anhydrous ammonia as it is a unique chemical compound. However, it can be compared to aqueous ammonia, which is ammonia dissolved in water.
The same root words
The same root words as anhydrous ammonia include ammonia, which is a compound of nitrogen and hydrogen, and anhydrous, which means without water.
Example Sentences
- The farmer applied anhydrous ammonia to his crops to improve their growth.
- The refrigeration system was filled with anhydrous ammonia to keep the food cold.
- The cleaning compound contained anhydrous ammonia, which made it highly effective in removing dirt and grime.