What is NH3?

The chemical formula NH3 describes the compound ammonia, also known as azane. Pure ammonia is a colorless, pungent smelling gas at room temperature and standard atmospheric pressure. It is a caustic and hazardous compound. Ammonia boils at -28 degrees Fahrenheit, and must be stored at high pressure or low temperature.

Ammonia has many uses. Globally, 83 percent of ammonia use is for soil fertilizing, in the forms of salts, water-based solutions and waterless forms. Additionally, when present in 5 to 10 percent solutions with water, ammonia is used as an effective common household cleaning product of glass, porcelain and stainless steel.