Page 111 - Encyclopedia of Chemical Compounds 3 Vols

AMMONIA

nitrogen in ammonia and its compounds to synthesize new
proteins that contribute to their growth and development.
The next largest use of ammonia is in the synthesis of
nitric acid (HNO 3 ). In a process developed by the German
chemist Wilhelm Ostwald (1853–1932), ammonia, oxygen, and
water are reacted together in a series of steps that results
in the formation of nitric acid. Nitric acid, the thirteenth most
important chemical in the United States in terms of produc-
tions, has a number of important uses, including the manu-
facture of explosives. Like the Haber-Bosch process, the Ost-
wald process contributed to the success experienced by
Germany during World War I.
In addition to its use in the manufacture of fertilizers
and explosives, smaller amounts of ammonia are used:
• As a refrigerant;
• In the manufacture of plastics;
• As a raw material in the manufacture of other nitrogen-
containing chemicals;
• In the production of dyes;
• As a rocket fuel;
• For the neutralization of acids during the refining of
petroleum;
• In order to produce specialized types of steel; and
• As a nutrient in yeast cultures in food processing opera-
tions.
Both gaseous and liquid ammonia pose moderate
health hazardstothose whocomeintocontact with
them. For example, farmers who handle liquid ammonia
risk the possibility of painful blistering of the skin or
damage to the mucous membranes if they come into
contact with the ferilizer. Ammonia fumes can irritate
the mouth, nose, and throat, causing coughing and gag-
ging responses. Higher levels of exposure may irritate
the lungs, resulting in shortness of breath and producing
headaches, nausea, and vomiting. Very high exposures
can cause a buildup of fluid in the lungs that can result
in death. Since ammonia is a common ingredient of many
household products, everyone should be aware of its
health risks, although the threat posed by such products
is, in fact, very small.

60 CHEMICAL COMPOUNDS