The bottle of liquid ammonia (\(\rm NH_{3}\)) should be placed in cold water or ice before opening its lid because ammonia has a low boiling point of about -33 °C (-27 °F). 

When the bottle is opened, ammonia can rapidly vaporize, leading to a significant drop in temperature and the potential for the liquid ammonia to boil violently. Placing the bottle in cold water or ice helps to cool the ammonia further, reducing the pressure inside the bottle and minimizing the risk of a sudden release of gas, which can be hazardous. This precaution ensures safer handling of ammonia by preventing splashing or excessive gas release upon opening.