What forms when chlorine combines with ammonia in water?

When chlorine combines with ammonia in water, chloramines are formed. This reaction occurs when chlorine, a powerful disinfectant, reacts with ammonia, which is often present in water supplies either as a contaminant or intentionally added to stabilize chlorine. The resulting compounds, known as chloramines, can include mono-, di-, and tri-chloramines depending on the amount of chlorine that reacts with ammonia.

Chloramines are used in water treatment as they are less reactive than chlorine and produce fewer disinfection by-products, which can be an advantage in maintaining water quality. Understanding the formation and characteristics of chloramines is essential for water laboratory analysts, as they need to monitor and manage the levels of these compounds to ensure water safety and compliance with health regulations.