Silver fulminate
| Names | |
|---|---|
| IUPAC name
Silver oxidoazaniumylidynemethane
| |
| Other names
Silver(I) fulminate
| |
| Properties | |
| AgCNO | |
| Molar mass | 149.885 g/mol |
| Appearance | Solid white powder |
| Density | 3.938 g/cm3 |
| Melting point | Detonates |
| Boiling point | Detonates |
| 0.01 g/100 ml (20 °C) | |
| Solubility | Moderate soluble in ammonia, aniline, aq. alkali halides, aq. alkali cyanides, HCN, pyridine |
| Hazards | |
| Safety data sheet | None |
| Related compounds | |
| Related compounds
|
Mercury(II) fulminate |
| Except where otherwise noted, data are given for materials in their standard state (at 25 °C [77 °F], 100 kPa). | |
| Infobox references | |
Silver fulminate is an unstable chemical compound, the silver salt of fulminic acid. It has the formula AgCNO.
While they have the same chemical formula (isomers), silver fulminate is NOT silver cyanate. Silver fulminate is also NOT fulminating silver.
Contents
Properties
Chemical
Silver fulminate readily detonates to release carbon oxides and nitrogen gas. A fine mist of silver powder is also generated.
Physical
Silver fulminate is a white solid, insoluble in water, but soluble in aq. ammonia. It dissolves in pyridine by forming a complex.
Explosive
Silver fulminate is extremely sensitive to friction, heat and shock.[1] It explodes with a loud bang, releasing a cloud of silver metal powder. It cannot be piled up, as it tends to detonate under its own weight, even under liquid.
Availability
Silver fulminate is sold as bang snaps, where it's mixed with sand. Separation may not worth the effort though and quite dangerous.
Preparation
Silver fulminate can be prepared by adding a solution of silver nitrate in nitric acid, into ethanol, under carefully controlled conditions, to avoid an explosion. The reaction is usually done at 80-90 °C, as AgCNO doesn't form at room temperature. Do not synthesize large amounts, as there's a risk of explosion.
Another route involves the reaction of silver carbonate with ammonia.
Silver fulminate also forms when nitrogen oxide gas is passed through a solution of silver nitrate in ethanol.
Projects
- Make bang snaps
Handling
Safety
Silver fulminate is a very sensitive explosive and should be handled with care.
Detonation produces a fine mist of metallic silver, which is irritant and stains.
Storage
Do not store silver fulminate! Use it as fast as possible.
Disposal
Silver fulminate can be neutralized via controlled detonation. The residual silver powder should be recycled, though if it's minute amounts of silver, it may not worth the effort.
A safe non-explosive way involves addition of a thiocyanate salt. Hydrochloric acid will also works.
