Ammonia is alkaline. It is a compound of nitrogen and hydrogen with the formula NH₃. When dissolved in water, ammonia forms ammonium hydroxide (NH₄OH), which is a weak base. This means it has a pH greater than 7, typically around 11-12 in a concentrated solution.
The alkalinity of ammonia is due to its ability to accept protons (H⁺ ions) from water molecules, forming ammonium ions (NH₄⁺) and hydroxide ions (OH⁻). The presence of hydroxide ions increases the pH of the solution, making it alkaline.
In summary, ammonia is not acidic; it is alkaline because it increases the concentration of hydroxide ions in water, resulting in a higher pH.