Is NH3 an acid?

The molecule NH₃, known as ammonia, is a weak base, not an acid. It undergoes a reaction with water where the water molecule is broken apart, forming ammonium and hydroxide ions. The hydroxide ions can accept hydrogen ions from acids, creating water molecules and neutralizing them.

Ammonia is normally a gas at room temperature, but it dissolves easily in water. It is unlike many other bases that have hydroxide groups, which are particles with an oxygen atom and a hydrogen ion already as part of their molecular structure. In most cases, bases break apart in water, rather than breaking water apart as ammonia does.