Silver nitrate is a chemical compound with the chemical formula AgNO3. And it is a white-colored crystalline solid that is readily soluble in water and other polar solvents. Silver nitrate is commonly used in a variety of applications, including the manufacture of photographic film, mirrors, and silvering glass.Â
It is used as an antiseptic in the medical field. Silver nitrate is toxic when ingested, inhaled, or absorbed through the skin in large amounts, and causes a number of health effects, including skin irritation, eye damage, and respiratory problems.
Silver Nitrate Molar Mass
The molar mass of silver nitrate (AgNO3) can be calculated by adding the atomic masses of silver (Ag), nitrogen (N), and oxygen (O) in one mole of the compound.
The atomic mass of silver is 107.87 g/mol,Â
The atomic mass of nitrogen is 14.01 g/mol.
The atomic mass of oxygen is 16.00 g/mol.
Molar Mass of Silver nitrate = 1 x 107.87 + 1 x 14.01 + 3 x 16.00 = 169.87 g/mol
So, The molar mass of silver nitrate is 169.87 g/mol.
Silver Nitrate Chemical and Physical Properties
Silver nitrate (AgNO3) is a chemical compound with the following physical and chemical properties:
Physical Properties of Silver Nitrate
| Properties | Results |
|---|---|
| Appearance | Silver nitrate is a white, crystalline solid at room temperature. |
| Odor | Silver nitrate is odorless. |
| Density | 4.35 g/cm³. |
| Solubility | Silver nitrate is highly soluble in water |
| Melting point | 209 °C. |
| Boiling point | 444 °C. |
| Vapor pressure | Silver nitrate has a very low vapor pressure at room temperature. |
Chemical Properties
| Properties | Results |
|---|---|
| Chemical formula | AgNO3 |
| Molecular weight | 169.87 g/mol. |
| Acidity/basicity | Silver nitrate is a neutral compound and neither acidic nor basic. |
| Redox properties | Silver nitrate is a potent oxidizing agent and can readily react with reducing agents. |
| Stability | Silver nitrate is stable under normal conditions but may decompose when exposed to light or heat, forming silver oxide or nitrogen oxides. |
| Toxicity | Silver nitrate can be toxic if ingested, inhaled, or absorbed through the skin in large quantities. It can cause skin irritation and discoloration and may also cause eye and respiratory tract irritation. |
Silver nitrate has many applications, including photography, silver plating, analytical chemistry, and as an antiseptic and cauterizing agent in medicine.
Silver Nitrate Uses
Silver nitrate has various uses in different fields, some of which are as follows:
- Silver nitrate is used in black-and-white photography to sensitize photographic film and paper.
- Silver nitrate is used as an antiseptic to prevent infection in minor cuts and burns.
- It is also used as an oxidizing agent as well as a source of silver ions and a reagent in chemical reactions.
- It is used in analytical chemistry such as silver nitrate to detect the presence of chloride ions in solution, as it reacts with chloride ions to form a white precipitate of silver chloride.
- Silver nitrate is used in the process of silvering glass.
- Silver nitrate is sometimes used to oxidize the surface of silver in jewelry making.
- Silver nitrate can be used in the etching of metals, including silver and copper.
Silver Nitrate on Skin
Silver nitrate can have a variety of effects on the skin, depending on the concentration and duration of exposure.
In low concentrations (0.5–1%), silver nitrate is sometimes used to treat minor cuts and burns, as well as certain skin conditions such as warts and verrucas. When used appropriately and in appropriate amounts, it helps prevent infection and promote healing.
However, in high concentrations or for prolonged exposure to the skin, silver nitrate can cause skin irritation and discoloration. It also causes a burning or stinging sensation, and in severe cases, causes chemical burns.
If silver nitrate comes in contact with the skin, it is important to wash the affected area immediately with plenty of water. If any symptoms such as pain, redness, swelling, or blisters are experienced, seek immediate medical attention.
