Overview

Silver nitrate (SILL-ver NYE-trate) is a colorless to transparent to white crystalline solid with no odor and a bitter metallic taste. In pure form, the compound is not affected by light, but trace amounts of organic impurities may catalyze the conversion of silver ions (Ag⁺; silver atoms with a positive charge) to grayish neutral silver atoms (Ag⁰) that give the salt a grayish tint. Silver nitrate is the most widely used of all silver compounds, finding application in the synthesis of other silver compounds, as a catalyst in certain industrial chemical reactions, as an antiseptic and germicide, and in photographic processes.

Key Facts

Other Names:

Silver(I) nitrate; lunar caustic

Formula:

AgNO₃

Elements:

Silver, nitrogen, oxygen

Compound Type:

Salt (inorganic)

State:

Solid

Molecular Weight:

169.87 g/mol

Melting Point:

212°C (414°F)

Boiling Point:

440°C (824°F); decomposes

Solubility:

Soluble in water, glycerol, and hot ethyl alcohol; moderately...