Chloramines are a combination of which two chemicals?

Chloramines are formed when chlorine reacts with ammonia. This combination creates a group of chemical compounds that are often used in water treatment processes, especially in the disinfection of drinking water. Chloramines are effective in killing bacteria and pathogens while providing a longer-lasting residual disinfectant effect compared to free chlorine.

This characteristic makes chloramines a desirable alternative in certain situations where chlorine alone might lead to the formation of harmful by-products, such as trihalomethanes. Understanding the relationship between chlorine and ammonia helps clarify why this combination is significant in water treatment practices.