What happens when you combine lemon juice and ammonia?
When you combine lemon juice and ammonia, a chemical reaction takes place. However, it is important to note that mixing these two substances is not recommended due to the potentially hazardous effects it can have. The reaction produces ammonium citrate and water, but it also releases toxic gases called chloramines.
To better understand why this happens, let's break it down:
1. Lemon juice: Lemon juice contains citric acid (C6H8O7) which gives the juice its sour taste.
2. Ammonia: Ammonia (NH3) is an alkaline substance commonly found in cleaning products. It is a base and is highly reactive.
When you mix lemon juice (acidic) with ammonia (basic), it causes a neutralization reaction, resulting in the formation of water (H2O) and ammonium citrate.
The chemical equation for this reaction is:
C6H8O7 (citric acid) + 3NH3 (ammonia) → (NH4)3C6H5O7 (ammonium citrate) + 3H2O (water)
However, the reaction also produces a byproduct called chloramines, which can be harmful and release toxic fumes. These fumes can cause respiratory irritation, coughing, and even chemical burns. Therefore, it is essential to avoid mixing lemon juice and ammonia.
In general, when performing any chemical reactions, it is important to follow proper safety guidelines, such as wearing protective equipment and working in a well-ventilated area.