Silver nitrate (AgNO3) is a chemical compound composed of silver, nitrogen, and oxygen. It is commonly used in photography, medicine, and as a laboratory reagent for various reactions.
| IUPAC Name | Silver nitrate |
| Molecular Formula | AgNO3 |
| CAS Number | 7761-88-8 |
| Synonyms | Silver mononitrate, Nitric acid silver(1+) salt, silver(I) nitrate |
| InChI | InChI=1S/Ag.NO3/c;2-1(3)4/q+1;-1 |
Silver Nitrate Properties
Silver Nitrate Formula
The formula of silver mononitrate is AgNO3. It consists of one silver atom (Ag), one nitrogen atom (N), and three oxygen atoms (O). The formula represents the ratio of atoms in a molecule of silver mononitrate.
Silver Nitrate Molar Mass
The molar mass of silver mononitrate is calculated by adding up the atomic masses of its constituent elements. Silver has an atomic mass of 107.87 g/mol, nitrogen has a mass of 14.01 g/mol, and each oxygen atom has a mass of 16.00 g/mol. Adding them together gives a molar mass of approximately 169.87 g/mol for silver mononitrate.
Silver Nitrate Boiling Point
Silver mononitrate has a boiling point of approximately 440 degrees Celsius (824 degrees Fahrenheit). At this temperature, the compound undergoes a phase transition from a liquid to a gaseous state. The boiling point indicates the temperature at which the vapor pressure of the substance equals the atmospheric pressure.
Silver Nitrate Melting Point
The melting point of silver mononitrate is around 209 degrees Celsius (408 degrees Fahrenheit). This is the temperature at which the solid form of silver mononitrate transforms into a liquid. The melting point is a characteristic property of a substance and helps determine its physical behavior under different conditions.
Silver Nitrate Density g/mL
The density of silver mononitrate is approximately 4.35 g/mL. Density is a measure of how much mass is contained within a given volume. It is calculated by dividing the mass of a substance by its volume. The density of silver mononitrate indicates its compactness or concentration within a specific space.
Silver Nitrate Molecular Weight
The molecular weight of silver mononitrate, also referred to as its molar mass, is approximately 169.87 g/mol. It represents the sum of the atomic masses of all the atoms in a molecule of silver mononitrate. The molecular weight is used in various calculations and conversions involving quantities of the compound.
Silver Nitrate Structure
Silver mononitrate has a crystalline structure composed of silver cations (Ag+) and nitrate anions (NO3-). The silver ions are surrounded by nitrate ions, forming a regular lattice arrangement. This ionic structure contributes to the compound’s stability and properties.
Silver Nitrate Solubility
Silver mononitrate is highly soluble in water. It readily dissolves in water to form a clear, colorless solution. The solubility of silver mononitrate in water is an essential characteristic and plays a crucial role in various applications, such as in medicine, photography, and chemical reactions.
| Appearance | White crystalline solid |
| Specific Gravity | 4.35 g/mL |
| Color | Colorless |
| Odor | Odorless |
| Molar Mass | 169.87 g/mol |
| Density | 4.35 g/mL |
| Melting Point | 209 °C (408 °F) |
| Boiling Point | 440 °C (824 °F) |
| Flash Point | Not applicable |
| Water Solubility | Soluble |
| Solubility | Soluble in water and organic solvent such as ethanol |
| Vapour Pressure | 0.26 mmHg at 25 °C (77 °F) |
| Vapour Density | Not applicable |
| pKa | – |
| pH | Acidic (around pH 5-6 in aqueous solution) |
Silver Nitrate Safety and Hazards
Silver mononitrate poses certain safety hazards and precautions should be taken when handling the compound. It is considered harmful if ingested, inhaled, or comes into contact with the skin or eyes. Protective measures such as gloves, safety goggles, and lab coats should be used. It may cause irritation, burns, and stains on the skin and other surfaces. When heated, it can release toxic nitrogen oxides. It should be stored in a cool, dry place away from incompatible substances. Spills should be cleaned promptly, and waste disposal should follow appropriate guidelines to prevent environmental contamination.
| Hazard Symbols | Corrosive, Oxidizing |
| Safety Description | Causes severe skin burns and eye damage. |
| Un IDs | UN 1493 (Silver mononitrate, solid) |
| Hs Code | 2843.10.00 |
| Hazard Class | Class 5.1 (Oxidizing substances) |
| Packing Group | PG II (Intermediate) |
| Toxicity | Toxic to aquatic life with long-lasting effects. |
Silver Nitrate Synthesis Methods
There are various methods for synthesizing silver mononitrate.
One common method involves the reaction between silver metal and nitric acid. In this process, dilute nitric acid dissolves silver to yield silver mononitrate. Another method involves the reaction of silver oxide or silver carbonate with nitric acid, resulting in the formation of silver mononitrate.
Additionally, the reaction between silver chloride and nitric acid can also yield silver mononitrate. Nitric acid dissolves silver chloride, displacing chloride ions and forming silver mononitrate.
Moreover, the reaction of silver sulfate with a soluble nitrate salt, like sodium nitrate, allows the acquisition of silver mononitrate. Silver sulfate reacts with the nitrate salt in an aqueous solution, leading to the formation of silver mononitrate and a soluble sulfate salt.
When carrying out these synthesis methods, it is important to take proper safety measures and use corrosive acids and potentially toxic compounds. One should also follow laboratory protocols and guidelines to ensure accurate preparation and handling of silver mononitrate.
Silver Nitrate Uses
Silver mononitrate has a variety of uses in different fields. Here are some common applications:
- Photography: Traditional black-and-white photography utilizes silver mononitrate as a light-sensitive compound that reacts with light, forming silver particles and developing photographic images.
- Medicine: Medical applications utilize silver mononitrate for its antiseptic properties in wound care. Topical application of it prevents infection, stimulates healing, and treats burns, ulcers, and other skin wounds.
- Laboratory Reagent: Silver mononitrate serves as a versatile laboratory reagent, enabling various chemical reactions and finding use in analytical chemistry to detect the presence of halides and other compounds.
- Silver Plating: Electroplating processes employ silver mononitrate to actively deposit a thin layer of silver onto different surfaces. This usage is common for decorative purposes and to provide corrosion resistance.
- Staining and Dyeing: Histology and microscopy utilize silver mononitrate as a stain to actively enhance the visibility of specific structures in biological samples. The textile industry employs it for dyeing fabrics.
- Etching: Silver mononitrate’s corrosive nature allows for its active use in etching designs on glass and mirrors. It selectively removes surface layers, creating intricate patterns.
- Chemistry Education: Educational settings actively utilize silver mononitrate for performing chemical experiments and demonstrations, owing to its distinct reactions and visual effects.
- Silver Catalyst: In certain chemical reactions, silver mononitrate actively acts as a catalyst, facilitating the conversion of reactants into desired products.
Questions:
Q: Is AgNO3 soluble in water?
A: Yes, AgNO3 is soluble in water.
Q: What is AgNO3?
A: AgNO3 is silver mononitrate, a chemical compound composed of silver, nitrogen, and oxygen.
Q: What are the spectator ions in the reaction between KCl(aq) and AgNO3(aq)?
A: In the reaction between KCl(aq) and AgNO3(aq), the spectator ions are K+ and NO3-.
Q: Which ions, if any, are spectator ions in the reaction AgNO3(aq) + NaCl(aq) → AgCl(s) + NaNO3(aq)?
A: In the reaction AgNO3(aq) + NaCl(aq) → AgCl(s) + NaNO3(aq), the spectator ions are Na+ and NO3-.
Q: How many moles of Cu are needed to react with 5.8 moles of AgNO3?
A: The balanced equation is required to determine the number of moles of Cu needed to react with 5.8 moles of AgNO3.
Q: Which of the following compounds will produce a precipitate with AgNO3?
A: Compounds containing Cl-, Br-, or I- ions will produce a precipitate with AgNO3.
Q: Is AgNO3 an ionic compound?
A: Yes, AgNO3 is an ionic compound.
Q: Is AgNO3 a strong electrolyte?
A: Yes, AgNO3 is a strong electrolyte.
Q: Does AgNO3 conduct electricity?
A: Yes, AgNO3 conducts electricity when dissolved in water.
Q: Is silver nitrate a salt?
A: Yes, silver mononitrate is a salt.
Q: Can I buy silver nitrate?
A: Yes, silver mononitrate is commercially available for purchase.
Q: Is silver nitrate a solution?
A: Silver mononitrate can exist as a solid or in the form of a solution, depending on its state.
Q: How to remove silver nitrate stain?
A: Silver mononitrate stains can be removed by treating the affected area with a mild reducing agent, such as hydrogen peroxide or sodium thiosulfate.
Q: Is silver nitrate soluble in water?
A: Yes, silver mononitrate is soluble in water.
Q: What precipitate forms when silver nitrate and potassium chromate solutions are mixed?
A: When silver mononitrate and potassium chromate solutions are mixed, a yellow precipitate of silver chromate (Ag2CrO4) forms.
Q: What is the molar mass of silver nitrate?
A: The molar mass of silver mononitrate (AgNO3) is approximately 169.87 g/mol.
Q: Silver metal is added to a solution of lead(II) nitrate. What is the balanced chemical reaction?
A: The balanced chemical reaction is 2Ag + Pb(NO3)2 → 2AgNO3 + Pb.