Silver nitrate
Silver nitrate is a chemical compound, salt of nitric acid and silver metal. It has the chemical formula AgNO3.
Contents
Properties
Chemical
Silver nitrate can be reduced to elemental silver, in the presence of a reducing agent, such as ascorbic acid.
Silver nitrate decomposes when heated at 440 °C.
- 2 AgNO3 → 2 Ag + O2 + 2 NO2(g)
Physical
Silver nitrate is an odorless white salt. Unlike silver perchlorate, it is not hygroscopic. It is soluble in water, acetone, ether.
Availability
Silver nitrate can be purchased from pharmacies, usually as a solution or as sticks, known as "caustic pencils". In some countries, these pencils contain a mixture of silver and potassium nitrates. It can also be purchased in solid form, from chemical suppliers.
Preparation
Silver nitrate can be prepared by reacting nitric acid with silver metal. Heating the acid accelerates the reaction.
Projects
- Make silver acetate
- Silver carbonate synthesis
- Silver mirror
- Ethyl nitrate synthesis
Handling
Safety
Silver nitrate can stain the skin as well as most objects and is toxic if swallowed. Gloves should be worn when handling the compound.
Storage
Silver nitrate should be kept in closed bottles, in dark places, such as a cabinet, as it is sensitive to light. Avoid storing it close to volatile reducing agents.
Disposal
Silver nitrate should be reduced to elemental silver, which can be recycled.
