NH3OH

NH3OH is the chemical formula for hydroxylamine. It is an inorganic compound with the formula NH2OH. Hydroxylamine is a colorless, crystalline substance, highly soluble in water, alcohol, and ether. It exists as a solid and in aqueous solution. Its primary industrial use is in the production of caprolactam, a precursor to nylon-6. Hydroxylamine is also employed as a reducing agent in organic synthesis and in various analytical chemistry procedures.

The molecule of hydroxylamine consists of a nitrogen atom, three hydrogen atoms, and an oxygen atom. It can be considered as a derivative of ammonia where one hydrogen atom is replaced by a hydroxyl group (-OH). Hydroxylamine is a weak base, with a pKb of approximately 8.05. It can act as both an oxidizing and reducing agent, depending on the reaction conditions and the other reactant involved. This dual nature makes it a versatile reagent in chemical transformations.

Safety precautions are necessary when handling hydroxylamine due to its potential to decompose explosively, especially in concentrated forms or when heated. It is also a skin and eye irritant. Industrial production of hydroxylamine typically involves the reduction of nitric acid or nitrites. Its applications extend beyond industrial synthesis, including its use as an antioxidant and as a component in photographic developers.