What is the Difference Between Quaternary Ammonium and Ammonia?

Quaternary ammonium and ammonia are two distinct chemical compounds with different properties and structures. The key difference between them lies in the number of hydrogen atoms and their substitution with alkyl groups in the quaternary ammonium compounds.

Quaternary Ammonium:

• Quaternary ammonium is a positively charged polyatomic ion with the structure [NR4]+, where R can be an alkyl, aryl, or organyl group.
• These cations are derived from ammonia molecules, where three hydrogen atoms are replaced with similar or different alkyl groups, and there is an extra alkyl group bound to the nitrogen atom via its lone electron pair.
• Quaternary ammonium compounds, also known as "quats," are permanently charged, independent of the pH of their solution.
• They are non-volatile compounds and do not contain or release ammonia.

Ammonia:

• Ammonia is a nitrogen atom connected to three hydrogen atoms (NH3) and is a corrosive, alkaline, highly volatile gas.
• When diluted in water, ammonia becomes ammonium hydroxide (NH4OH), which is commonly used for cleaning purposes.
• Ammonia has a very low molecular weight.

In summary, quaternary ammonium compounds are positively charged ions with a central nitrogen atom and four alkyl groups, while ammonia is a highly volatile gas with a nitrogen atom connected to three hydrogen atoms. Quaternary ammonium compounds do not contain or release ammonia and are non-volatile.

Comparative Table: Quaternary Ammonium vs Ammonia

Quaternary Ammonium and Ammonia are two distinct chemical compounds with different properties and structures. Here is a comparison between the two:

Please note that ammonia and quaternary ammonium compounds do not convert into each other during their use or degradation. Alkyl quaternium compounds (quats) do not contain or release ammonia.