Question

Why is ammonia termed as a base though it does not contain OH- ions ?

Answer 1

Aqueous solution of NH3 consists of hydrogen, showing non-metallic character in this case and has atomicity 3, thus it is termed as a base.

Answer 2

When ammonia is dissolved in water it forms ammonium hydroxide.Ammonium hydroxide has the tendency to lose hydroxyl ion and hence act as a base. Ammonia (NH3) is a weak base, which does not have hydroxyl group in its formula but it gives OH- ions when it reacts with water.