According to the Bronsted-Lowry concept, acids are proton donors and bases are proton acceptors. In this reaction, NH3 gains protons and H2O loses protons. NH3 is therefore a Bronsted-Lowry base.
NH3 + H2O ⇒ NH4+ + OH-
Base Acid Conjugate acid Conjugate base
A basic solution is formed when ammonia dissolves in water. A small amount of dissolved ammonia reacts with water to form ammonium hydroxide which dissociates into ammonium and hydroxide ions. All these processes are reversible. Hydrogen bonds are weak bonds that are easily broken to form H+ and OH ions. This reaction also has multiple reactants, but only one product.
Mixtures are unlike chemical compounds, because: The substances in a mixture can be separated using physical methods such as filtration, freezing, and distillation.