Nitrogen Fixation

Name:
Nitrogen Fixation
Detailed information:
Utilization of atmospheric nitrogen to form chemical compounds. In nature, this function is performed by bacteria located on the root hairs of plants; as a result, plants are able to synthesize proteins. Industrial nitrogen fixation is exemplified by the synthesis of ammonia from a gaseous mixture containing carbon monoxide, hydrogen, and nitrogen. Nitrogen can also be fixed by the electric arc process and the cyanamide process. The latter involves reaction of water and calcium cyanamide: CaCN₂ + 3H₂O → CaCO₃ + 2NH₃.See Synthesis Gas.