Ammonium Compounds

Ammonia – NH3; polyatomic molecule

Ammonium – NH4+  ; polyatomic charged ion, only found in ammonium compounds

Ammonium Salts – formed through the reaction of ammonia with the appropriate acid. They are used as fertilisers to supply nitrogen to plants. Fertilisers are given an NPK rating (Nitrogen, Phosphorus and Potassium are best used in fertilisers). Ammonia can be displaced from its salts through decomposition by heating or by the action of strong bases.