What is the formula of liquid ammonia? Account for the basic nature of this compound.

The formula of liquid ammonia is NH3, which consists of one nitrogen atom and three hydrogen atoms.

Ammonia is a basic compound due to its ability to accept a proton (H+) from a donor molecule. In its liquid form, ammonia has the ability to dissociate into NH4+ and NH2- ions:

NH3 + H2O ⇌ NH4+ + OH-

The reaction with water shows the basic nature of ammonia as it produces hydroxide ions (OH-) in the solution. The hydroxide ions increase the concentration of hydroxide ions, leading to an increase in pH, making the solution more basic.

This basic nature of liquid ammonia makes it a useful chemical in various applications, including as a cleaning agent, in refrigeration systems, and in the production of fertilizers and other industrial chemicals. However, it is important to handle ammonia with care as it can be hazardous in high concentrations due to its basic and reactive nature.