ammoniumioneita

Ammoniumioneita are polyatomic cations with the chemical formula NH4+. They are formed when ammonia (NH3) gains a proton (H+). This protonation occurs readily due to the lone pair of electrons on the nitrogen atom in ammonia, which can accept a hydrogen ion. The ammonium ion carries a +1 positive charge.

Ammonium ions are a common and important chemical species. They are found in many salts, such as ammonium chloride (NH4Cl) and ammonium nitrate (NH4NO3). These salts are often soluble in water, and in aqueous solutions, the ammonium ion exists as a hydrated species. In biological systems, ammonium ions play a role in nitrogen metabolism, particularly in the breakdown of proteins.

The ammonium ion is structurally similar to potassium and rubidium ions, and it can often substitute for them in crystal lattices. This similarity is known as the ammonium effect. Ammonium salts can decompose upon heating, often releasing ammonia gas. For example, ammonium chloride decomposes into ammonia and hydrogen chloride. The presence of ammonium ions can be detected through various chemical tests.