Question

Why is nitrogen is not prepared in the laboratory by heating ammonium nitrile?

• A. The reaction is very fast and there is a chance of explosion.
• B. Gives other toxic side products.
• C. The reaction is very slow and ineffective.
• D. Ammonium nitrile is very difficult to handle at lab scales.

Answer 1

The correct option is A The reaction is very fast and there is a chance of explosion.

• On heating an aqueous solution of ammonium nitrile, nitrogen gas is produced. But this decomposition of ammonium nitrile is very quick and spontaneous.
• Also, there is a chance of explosion, if ammonium nitrile is heated alone. Therefore, nitrogen is not prepared in the laboratory by heating ammonium nitrile directly.