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Ammonia or azane is a compound of nitrogen and hydrogen with
the formula NH3. [1] It is a colourless highly irritating gas with a sharp
suffocating odour. Ammonia dissolves easily in water to form ammonium
hydroxide solution, which can cause irritation and burns. Ammonia gas is
easily compressed and forms a clear, colourless liquid under pressure. It
is not highly flammable, but containers of ammonia may explode when
exposed to high heat. [2] Ammonia gas can be dissolved in water. This kind
of ammonia is called liquid ammonia or aqueous ammonia. Once exposed
to open air, liquid ammonia quickly turns into a gas. Ammonia occurs
naturally and is produced by human activity. It is an important source of
nitrogen, which is needed by plants and animals. Bacteria found in the
intestines can produce ammonia. [3]
