ammonolysis: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Very LowTechnical/Scientific
Quick answer
What does “ammonolysis” mean?
A chemical decomposition reaction in which a compound is broken down by reaction with ammonia.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A chemical decomposition reaction in which a compound is broken down by reaction with ammonia.
More broadly, refers to any cleavage reaction in which a chemical bond is broken by ammonia, analogous to hydrolysis (water) or alcoholysis (alcohol).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical differences. Pronunciation may vary slightly (see IPA). Spelling is identical.
Connotations
Neutral technical term in both varieties. No regional connotations.
Frequency
Equally rare and specialised in both BrE and AmE, confined to chemical literature and discourse.
Grammar
How to Use “ammonolysis” in a Sentence
[Compound] undergoes ammonolysis (with ammonia) to yield [Products].The ammonolysis of [Substrate] proceeds under mild conditions.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “ammonolysis” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The polymer chain can be ammonolysed to introduce amine groups.
American English
- The lab successfully ammonolyzed the complex ester.
adverb
British English
- The compound reacted ammonolytically.
American English
- The bond broke ammonolytically in the presence of NH3.
adjective
British English
- The ammonolytic cleavage was monitored by spectroscopy.
American English
- They studied the ammonolytic degradation pathway.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Exclusively used in chemistry research papers, textbooks, and lectures.
Everyday
Never used in everyday conversation.
Technical
Core term in specific fields of chemical synthesis and polymer science.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “ammonolysis”
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “ammonolysis”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “ammonolysis”
- Mispronouncing as 'ammonia-lysis' with a strong break. It's a blended word: /æməˈnɒlɪsɪs/.
- Confusing with 'ammonification' (production of ammonia in biology).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Typically, amides or amines are formed, depending on the starting material.
No, it is a specialised industrial and laboratory process in chemical manufacturing and research.
Ammonia (NH3) is the essential reagent that breaks the chemical bonds.
Yes, it is a method for chemical recycling of certain polymers like polyurethanes or polyamides.
A chemical decomposition reaction in which a compound is broken down by reaction with ammonia.
Ammonolysis is usually technical/scientific in register.
Ammonolysis: in British English it is pronounced /ˌæməˈnɒlɪsɪs/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌæməˈnɑːlɪsɪs/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'AMMONia anaLYSIS' = AMMONOLYSIS. Just as 'hydrolysis' uses water, 'ammonolysis' uses ammonia.
Conceptual Metaphor
AMMONIA IS A SCISSOR (for chemical bonds).
Practice
Quiz
Ammonolysis is most closely analogous to which other chemical reaction?