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Ammonium Hydroxide

Other Names: Aqua ammonia; aqueous ammonia, ammonia solution, ammonium hydrate
Formula: NH4OH
Sp. Gr.: Slightly less than 1.0
Viscosity: Water-thin

Remarks: Colorless liquid, strong characteristic odor. Ammonium hydroxide is made by dissolving ammonia gas in water. Concentrations of solution range up to about 30%. Used in making textiles, rayon, rubber, fertilizer, plastics, ammonia soaps, lubricants, ink, explosives and in the saponifying of fats and oils, as a detergent and household cleanser. Ammonia window cleaners are weak solutions of ammonium hydroxide.

Pump Notes: Cast iron construction, neoprene or buna n elastomers are recommended. Pumps that have been used for handling ammonium hydroxide will rust badly when they are drained; fill with liquid or drained and fill with oil to prevent rusting. Standard seals have a tendency to dry out and harden if left exposed to air for any length of time.