Chemical Safety Data: Ammonium Hydroxide

Common synonyms

"Ammonia", ammonia solution

Formula

NH₄OH (aq)

Physical properties

Form: colourless solution
Stability: Stable, but may absorb carbon dioxide from the air.
Melting point: depends upon concentration
Water solubility: miscible in all proportions
Specific gravity: typically 0.9; depends upon solution strength, approaching 1.0 for dilute solutions

Principal hazards

*** Contact with the eyes can cause serious long-term damage.
*** The solution is corrosive and skin contact may cause burns.
*** Concentrated solutions can release dangerous amounts of ammonia vapour into the air. This presents a significant hazard if inhaled.

Safe handling

Always wear safety glasses - ammonium hydroxide solution is very damaging in contact with the eye.
Do not allow the solution to come into contact with your skin.
Work in an area that is well ventilated. Concentrated ammonium hydroxide solutions must not be used in the open laboratory.

Emergency

Eye contact: Immediately flush the eye with plenty of water. Continue for at least ten minutes and call for immediate medical help. Splashes of aqueous base into the eye should always be regarded as serious.
Skin contact: Wash off with plenty of water. Remove any contaminated clothing. If the skin reddens or appears damaged, call for medical aid.
If swallowed: Wash out the mouth with water if conscious and call for immediate medical help.

Disposal

Very small amounts of dilute ammonium hydroxide can be flushed down a sink with a large quantity of water, unless local rules prohibit this. Larger amounts should be neutralised before disposal. This material is harmful in the environment, so large quantities of it must not be disposed of down sewers.

Protective equipment

ALWAYS wear safety glasses when handling ammonium hydroxide solutions. If you need gloves, neoprene, nitrile or butyl rubber are suitable.

Further information

Ammonium hydroxide
Chemicals in the HSci database
More extensive safety data

Link to the Oxford HSci web site
We have tried to make this information as accurate and useful as possible, but can take no responsibility for its use, misuse, or accuracy. We have not verified this information, and cannot guarantee that it is up-to-date.
Oxford, January 14, 2004

Common synonyms	"Ammonia", ammonia solution
Formula	NH₄OH (aq)
Physical properties	Form: colourless solution Stability: Stable, but may absorb carbon dioxide from the air. Melting point: depends upon concentration Water solubility: miscible in all proportions Specific gravity: typically 0.9; depends upon solution strength, approaching 1.0 for dilute solutions
Principal hazards	* Contact with the eyes can cause serious long-term damage. * The solution is corrosive and skin contact may cause burns. *** Concentrated solutions can release dangerous amounts of ammonia vapour into the air. This presents a significant hazard if inhaled.
Safe handling	Always wear safety glasses - ammonium hydroxide solution is very damaging in contact with the eye. Do not allow the solution to come into contact with your skin. Work in an area that is well ventilated. Concentrated ammonium hydroxide solutions must not be used in the open laboratory.
Emergency	Eye contact: Immediately flush the eye with plenty of water. Continue for at least ten minutes and call for immediate medical help. Splashes of aqueous base into the eye should always be regarded as serious. Skin contact: Wash off with plenty of water. Remove any contaminated clothing. If the skin reddens or appears damaged, call for medical aid. If swallowed: Wash out the mouth with water if conscious and call for immediate medical help.
Disposal	Very small amounts of dilute ammonium hydroxide can be flushed down a sink with a large quantity of water, unless local rules prohibit this. Larger amounts should be neutralised before disposal. This material is harmful in the environment, so large quantities of it must not be disposed of down sewers.
Protective equipment	ALWAYS wear safety glasses when handling ammonium hydroxide solutions. If you need gloves, neoprene, nitrile or butyl rubber are suitable.
Further information	Ammonium hydroxide Chemicals in the HSci database More extensive safety data