Isotopically Selective Quantification by UPLC-MS of Aqueous Ammonia at Submicromolar Concentrations Using Dansyl Chloride Derivatization

Ammonia (NH₃) is essential for food production and is commercially synthesized from nitrogen (N₂) and hydrogen (H₂) using the Haber–Bosch process. Enormous amounts of ammonia are made every year in a reaction that requires high temperatures and pressures, with the Haber–Bosch accounting for ∼1.6% of total annual global energy consumption. Electrocatalysts are also being explored to convert in an environmentally friendly manner N₂ to NH₃ at ambient temperature and pressure.