What is the outcome of warming ammonium ions with NaOH?

Warming ammonium ions with sodium hydroxide leads to the formation of ammonia gas, which is the correct outcome of this reaction. When ammonium ions (NH4+) are treated with sodium hydroxide (NaOH), a strong base, a chemical reaction occurs where the hydroxide ions from NaOH deprotonate the ammonium ions. This process releases ammonia (NH3) and water (H2O) as products.

The reaction can be summarized as follows:

NH4+ (aq) + OH- (aq) → NH3 (g) + H2O (l)

As ammonia is a gas at room temperature, it is typically observed as bubbling or effervescence during this reaction. The distinctive odor of ammonia can also be detected, serving as a noticeable confirmation of its formation.

While production of water does occur in the reaction, it is the ammonia gas that is of primary significance and is the main product that results from this interaction, making the formation of ammonia gas the key outcome. Other options, such as the release of carbon dioxide or an increase in temperature, do not directly relate to the fundamental reaction between ammonium ions and sodium hydroxide in this context.