Crossword Genius

Shot heard near a compound (7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

ammonia

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'compound' is the definition.
The definition and answer can be both substances as well as being singular nouns.
Maybe they are linked in a way I don't understand?

'shot heard near a' is the wordplay.
'shot' becomes 'ammo' (ammunition).
'heard near' becomes 'ni' (I am not sure about this - if you are sure you should believe this answer much more).
'ammo'+'ni'+'a'='AMMONIA'

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for ammonia that I've seen before include "Powerful cleaner" , "Acrid gas, NH3" , "compound?" , "Pungent gas formed of nitrogen and hydrogen" , "Colourless pungent gas" .)

I've seen this clue in The Daily Express.
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