Could NH4 ever be a gas?
yes it can because NH4 is a gas at normal atmospheric conditions of tempertaure and pressure.
No, not at normal conditions.
NH4, [NH4]+ I presume you mean, is the ammonium ion and needs special conditions to generate it alone in the gas phase.
Yes, NH4 can exist as a gas under specific conditions. However, it is important to note that NH4 is not a stable compound on its own and refers to the ammonium ion (NH4+), which is a positively charged ion. The ammonium ion is formed when ammonia (NH3) accepts a proton (H+) to become NH4+.
In order for NH4+ to exist as a gas, it needs to be combined with other molecules or compounds. One common example is ammonium chloride (NH4Cl), which can undergo sublimation and convert directly from a solid to a gas at high temperatures without passing through the liquid phase. This process occurs due to the strong bond between the ammonium ions and chloride ions in the solid compound.
To verify whether NH4+ can exist as a gas in a specific context, you can consult reliable sources such as scientific literature, chemical databases, or consult with experts in the field of chemistry. Additionally, conducting experimental investigations can also help determine the behavior of NH4+ under different conditions.