* It doesn't exist as a stable molecule: Ammonium hydroxide (NH₄OH) is a hypothetical compound that doesn't exist in a pure form. It's a solution of ammonia (NH₃) in water (H₂O).
* The actual reaction: When ammonia gas dissolves in water, it reacts with the water molecules to form ammonium ions (NH₄⁺) and hydroxide ions (OH⁻):
NH₃(g) + H₂O(l) ⇌ NH₄⁺(aq) + OH⁻(aq)
* Ionic nature: Due to the formation of charged ions (NH₄⁺ and OH⁻) in solution, the solution is ionic in nature.
Therefore, while you might see NH₄OH written, it's important to understand that it's an ionic compound in solution.
