Final answer:
Certain products use alternatives to ammonia as ingredients because they are less volatile and emit a more subdued odor. Ammonia is a pungent compound used in many applications including as a cleanser and in agriculture, while other compounds like urea are derivatives with lower volatility.
Step-by-step explanation:
Certain products use an ingredient that does not evaporate as readily as ammonia, so there is very little odor associated with their use. Unlike ammonia, which is a compound of nitrogen and hydrogen with the formula NH3 known for its pungent smell and capability to quickly revive individuals through smelling salts, these products may instead use compounds that remain more stable and are less volatile, resulting in a lower emission of odors. As a household cleanser, ammonia solutions can efficiently clean surfaces but its usage requires precautions due to the potential for irritation and the strong odor.
For example, nitrogen trichloride, which was once used to bleach flour, is an unstable compound and no longer used in the United States for that purpose. This chemical, like ammonia, can easily transition to a gaseous state but its instability makes it less favorable for common use. On the other hand, some modern products opt for substances like urea, which are derivatives where ammonia has been converted to a less volatile and less odorous form for safer storage and use.