Why Do We Detect Odor in an Odorless Gas Leak

Natural gas a clean, reliable, and energy-efficient fuel an odorless, colorless, combustible fuel. These attributes accurately characterize the form of energy known as natural gas. Nevertheless, we are constantly advised to contact the gas service company whenever we detect the smell of gas as a precautionary measure to locate leaks. An examination of the chemical composition of natural gas can explain this paradox. 

9 Why Must Ammonia Cleansers Never Be Mixed with Bleach  

Both ammonia and bleach are useful household products for cleaning stains, sanitizing surfaces, disinfecting, and deodorizing. However, the chemistry of these individual products dictates that you always heed the warning Caution Never mix bleach and ammonia cleansers  

Liquid household bleach is generally a 5% solution of sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl). Ammonia cleansers — including general household cleansers, wax removers, glass and window cleaners, and oven cleaners—are aqueous solutions of 5-10% ammonia, NH3. Mixing bleach with cleansers containing ammonia leads to the formation of a family of potentially toxic compounds known as chloramines. These toxic gases have acrid fumes that can bum mucous membranes. Scented bleaches can mask one s natural ability to detect these harmful fumes. 

Ammonia (NH3) and hypochlorite ion (OC1-) combine to produce three different chloramine species — that is, compounds that are derivatives of ammonia in which one or more of the hydrogen atoms has been replaced by a chlorine atom. In order of increasing degree of chlorine substitution, these chloramines are named monochloramine (NH2CI), dichloramine (NHCI2), and nitrogen trichloride (NC13)  

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