Silver sulfate (Ag2SO4) is a white solid used in photography and analytical chemistry. It dissolves in water, and when heated, decomposes into silver oxide and sulfur trioxide.
| IUPAC Name | Silver sulfate |
| Molecular Formula | Ag2SO4 |
| CAS Number | 10294-26-5 |
| Synonyms | Argentous sulfate, Disilver sulfate, Sulfuric acid silver, Disilver monosulfate |
| InChI | InChI=1S/2Ag.H2O4S/c;;1-5(2,3)4/h;;(H2,1,2,3,4)/q2*+1;/p-2 |
Silver Sulfate Properties
Silver Sulfate Formula
The chemical formula for disilver sulfate is Ag2SO4. It consists of two silver (Ag) atoms bonded with one sulfur (S) atom and four oxygen (O) atoms. The formula represents the ratio of atoms in a molecule of disilver sulfate.
Silver Sulfate Molar Mass
The molar mass of disilver sulfate is calculated by adding the atomic masses of its constituent elements. Silver has an atomic mass of 107.87 grams per mole (g/mol), sulfur has an atomic mass of 32.07 g/mol, and oxygen has an atomic mass of 16.00 g/mol. Adding them together, the molar mass of disilver sulfate is approximately 311.81 g/mol.
Silver Sulfate Boiling Point
Disilver sulfate does not have a distinct boiling point as it decomposes before reaching its boiling point. When heated, it undergoes thermal decomposition, breaking down into silver oxide (Ag2O) and sulfur trioxide (SO3). Therefore, the boiling point of disilver sulfate is not applicable.
Silver Sulfate Melting Point
The melting point of disilver sulfate is approximately 652 degrees Celsius (1206 degrees Fahrenheit). At this temperature, disilver sulfate transitions from a solid state to a molten liquid state. It is important to note that the melting point can vary slightly depending on the purity of the disilver sulfate sample.
Silver Sulfate Density g/mL
The density of disilver sulfate is approximately 5.45 grams per milliliter (g/mL). This value indicates the mass of disilver sulfate per unit volume. The density of a substance is typically temperature-dependent, so it’s important to consider the conditions when measuring the density of disilver sulfate.
Silver Sulfate Molecular Weight
The molecular weight of disilver sulfate is calculated by summing up the atomic weights of its constituent elements, taking into account the stoichiometry of the formula. In the case of disilver sulfate (Ag2SO4), the molecular weight is approximately 311.81 grams per mole (g/mol).
Silver Sulfate Structure
Disilver sulfate has a crystalline structure composed of silver cations (Ag+) and sulfate anions (SO4^2-). The silver cations are surrounded by oxygen atoms from sulfate anions, forming a three-dimensional lattice arrangement.
Silver Sulfate Solubility
Disilver sulfate is sparingly soluble in water. It dissolves to a limited extent, with approximately 0.8 grams dissolving in 100 milliliters of water at room temperature. The solubility can be influenced by factors such as temperature and the presence of other solutes in the solution.
| Appearance | White solid |
| Specific Gravity | N/A |
| Color | White |
| Odor | Odorless |
| Molar Mass | 311.81 g/mol |
| Density | 5.45 g/mL |
| Melting Point | 652 °C (1206 °F) |
| Boiling Point | Decomposes |
| Flash Point | N/A |
| Water Solubility | Sparingly soluble |
| Solubility | Dissolves in aq. acids, alcohols, acetone, ether, acetates, amides |
| Vapour Pressure | N/A |
| Vapour Density | N/A |
| pKa | N/A |
| pH | N/A |
Silver Sulfate Safety and Hazards
Disilver sulfate poses certain safety hazards and precautions should be taken when handling it. It is important to avoid inhalation, ingestion, or contact with skin and eyes. When handling disilver sulfate, it is advisable to wear appropriate personal protective equipment, including gloves, goggles, and a lab coat. In case of accidental exposure, rinse affected areas thoroughly with water. Disilver sulfate can cause skin and eye irritation, and prolonged or repeated exposure may lead to sensitization. It is also necessary to handle disilver sulfate in a well-ventilated area to minimize the risk of inhalation. Proper storage, labeling, and disposal procedures should be followed to ensure safety.
| Hazard Symbols | No symbol |
| Safety Description | Avoid inhalation, ingestion, and skin/eye contact. Wear PPE. Handle in well-ventilated area. Proper storage, labeling, and disposal. |
| UN IDs | N/A |
| HS Code | 28429090 |
| Hazard Class | N/A |
| Packing Group | N/A |
| Toxicity | Skin and eye irritant. Prolonged/repeated exposure may cause sensitization. |
Silver Sulfate Synthesis Methods
There are several methods for synthesizing disilver sulfate.
One common method involves the reaction between silver nitrate (AgNO3) and sulfuric acid (H2SO4). In a laboratory setting, while stirring, scientists slowly add silver nitrate to a solution of sulfuric acid, resulting in the formation of a white precipitate called disilver sulfate. They collect the precipitate, wash it, and dry it to obtain pure disilver sulfate.
Scientists also obtain disilver sulfate by adding silver oxide (Ag2O) to sulfuric acid and heating the mixture while stirring. This process produces disilver sulfate as a precipitate, which they filter, wash, and dry to obtain the final product.
Furthermore, scientists can obtain disilver sulfate by heating a mixture of silver chloride (AgCl) and concentrated sulfuric acid. They add the silver chloride to sulfuric acid and apply heat to the mixture. The reaction leads to the formation of disilver sulfate as a precipitate, which can be collected, washed, and dried.
It’s important to note that these synthesis methods should be conducted with proper safety precautions, including the use of appropriate protective equipment and working in a well-ventilated area.
Silver Sulfate Uses
Disilver sulfate has several uses across different fields due to its unique properties. Here are some of its common applications:
- Photography: In black-and-white photography, photographers use disilver sulfate as a component of light-sensitive emulsions to capture and develop images by reacting with light.
- Analytical Chemistry: Various analytical methods employ disilver sulfate as a reagent to detect and quantify halides, such as chloride and bromide ions, through precipitation reactions.
- Electroplating: Electroplating processes utilize disilver sulfate to deposit a layer of silver onto conductive surfaces, creating decorative or protective coatings on jewelry, electronics, and other objects.
- Antimicrobial Agent: Due to its antimicrobial properties, disilver sulfate finds application in the formulation of wound dressings, ointments, and medical devices. It helps prevent infection and promotes healing.
- Battery Industry: The battery industry utilizes it as a crucial component in the electrode material for manufacturing silver-zinc and silver-cadmium batteries, which are prevalent in electronic devices and medical equipment.
- Laboratory Reagent: Disilver sulfate serves as a reagent in various laboratory experiments, including the synthesis of other silver compounds and in organic chemistry reactions.
- Glass Manufacturing: In glass manufacturing, it plays a vital role in producing specialized glasses, including silver mirrors and conductive coatings for windows. Manufacturers apply a thin layer of disilver sulfate to achieve these desired properties.
- Catalyst: Disilver sulfate acts as a catalyst in certain chemical reactions, including oxidation reactions and polymerization processes.
Questions:
Q: What else is produced during the replacement reaction of silver nitrate and potassium sulfate?
A: During the replacement reaction of AgNO3 and K2SO4, the products formed are potassium nitrate (KNO3) and disilver sulfate (Ag2SO4).
Q: If additional solid silver sulfate is added to the solution, will it dissolve?
A: Yes, additional solid disilver sulfate will dissolve in the solution, as it is sparingly soluble in water.
Q: Does precipitation occur when silver nitrate + sodium sulfate?
A: Yes, precipitation occurs when AgNO3 reacts with sodium sulfate, resulting in the formation of solid Ag2SO4 precipitate.
Q: What is the percentage silver in silver sulfate?
A: The percentage Ag in disilver sulfate is approximately 63.48%.
Q: Is silver sulfate soluble or insoluble?
A: Disilver sulfate is sparingly soluble in water.
Q: How to find silver sulfate chemical formula?
A: The chemical formula of disilver sulfate is Ag2SO4, which can be determined based on the valency of the Ag+ cation and the SO4-2 anion.
Q: What is the color of Ag2SO4?
A: Disilver sulfate (Ag2SO4) is a white solid.
Q: What is the value of Ksp for Ag2SO4 if 5.49 g is soluble in 1.00 L of water?
A: The value of the solubility product constant (Ksp) for Ag2SO4 can be calculated using the given information, but it requires additional data on the dissociation of Ag2SO4 in water.
Q: What is the molar mass of Ag2SO4?
A: The molar mass of Ag2SO4 is approximately 311.81 g/mol.
Q: Does any solid Ag2SO4 form when 2.7 g is dissolved in 100 mL of water?
A: Yes, some solid Ag2SO4 may form as it exceeds the solubility limit of disilver sulfate in 100 mL of water.