Silver Nitrate (AgNO3)

SILVER NITRATE (AgNO3)

Silver Nitrate (AgNO3) is an inorganic compound that acts as a precursor to many silver-containing compounds. It is a water-soluble crystalline solid which contains important antiseptic properties [1].

1. 1. 1. Introduction
         • Silver nitrate (AgNO3) produced metal oxides on decomposition. Silver nitrate is more stable than other silver halides when exposed to visible light [2].
         • It is also stocked under the names of different labels in the market like Silver mononitrate, Argenti nitras, Silbernitrat, Silver, Reference Standard Solution, Silver nitrate, ACS reagent, and Silver nitrate, 99.85%, for analysis [4].
         • Silver nitrate (AgNO3) is obtainable in the market in various sizes like in the packaging of 50 grams, 250 grams, 500 grams, 1 kilogram, 5 kilograms. In solution form, it is available in the packaging of 1L, 2.5L, and 4L [5].
         • Silver Nitrate is typically packed in glass bottles tightly sealed and for powdery form, bags are also used [5].
      2. Structure
         The structure of Silver nitrate (AgNO3) consists of silver cation bearing a positive charge and nitrate anion bearing a negative charge. This cation and anion are bonded together by an ionic bond. The structure is shown below [2].

   

   Figure 1: Structure of Silver Nitrate [2].

   1. Procedure
      The following steps should be followed for preparing silver nitrate in the laboratory that are discussed below [3].
      • Preparation of Dilute Nitric Acid:
        First of all, dilute nitric acid is prepared in the laboratory. Take a sterile glass container in which concentrated nitric acid is kept, a source of pure silver, stirrer, dropper, hot plate, and aluminum source. For diluting the acid, add concentrated nitric acid drop by drop in the glass container filled with water. Stir it with the help of a stirrer.
      • Dip Silver into Nitric Acid:
        Take another properly sterilized glass container to avoid any contamination during the reaction. Now fill the container with concentrated nitric acid to some extent. Add a piece of pure silver source into the container. Let it submerge into the acid.
      • Wrapping of aluminum wire:
        Carefully wrap the thin aluminum wire around the silver piece. The aluminum source does not react with concentrated nitric acid. It is encased by the wire to control the reaction by removing the silver piece immediately out of the container if the solution boils too much.
      • Dip Aluminum and Silver in Acid:
        Now slowly dip the aluminum wrapped around silver into the concentrated nitric acid. Bubble formation begins in the acid.
        
      • Heating the Acid:
        Start heating the acid by using a hot plate until the silver starts bubbling. During heating, you become unable to see anything through the container. Let the silver dissolve completely in the liquid acid.
        
      • Evaporation of Solution:
        The last step is to remove the glass container from the hot plate. After the solution is cooled down, evaporation occurs. The precipitates of silver nitrate settled in the bottom of the container and can be seen clearly. These precipitates are in the form of crystals which can be stored in the tightly packed container.
        
        
   2.  Specifications
      The specifications of silver nitrate are described below [6].

1. Applications
   The applications of silver nitrate are described below [9] [10]. 
   • Industrial Applications:
     Silver nitrate is used in many industrial applications. One of them is the production of other silver-containing compounds.
   • Industrial Applications:
     • Anti-infective agent:
       Silver nitrate acts as an anti-infective agent. It plays a significant role in the medical field.
     • Anti-bacterial agent:
       It additionally acts as an anti-bacterial agent, anti-septic agent, and anti-microbial agent.
   • Photography:
     Salt of silver nitrate is utilized in photography because it is sensitive to light and changes color in the presence of light.
2. Hazards & Safety
   The hazards and safety measures of silver nitrate are described below in detail [7][8].
   • Corrosive in nature: silver nitrate is potentially corrosive in nature. The effect of silver nitrate on heating depends on the time of exposure, and fumes of AgNO3. It is corrosive because it can intensify fire.
   • Contact with eyes: Silver nitrate solution is dangerous for the eyes. Long-term exposure of powder to the eyes can cause serious eye blindness. Try to protect unexposed eyes. It can cause irritation and severe infection.
     First Aid Measure: If eyes get in contact with the liquid or powdery form of silver nitrate, wash with plenty of water for 15 minutes. Open upper and lower eyelids and wash them gently with splashes of water. In case of severe irritation, consult medical advice immediately.
   • Contact with skin: Silver Nitrate is corrosive for the skin. If it gets in contact with the skin, it can cause discomfort, irritation, or even burn the skin from the place of contact.
     First Aid Measure: Immediately remove the contaminated clothes of the victim. Wash the affected area thoroughly from water. Use neutral soaps or liquid soaps for washing the body parts. Wash the affected areas for 5 to 10 minutes.
   • Inhalation: It can cause irritation and burning sensation in the respiratory system on inhalation of powder, vapors, or dust.
     First Aid Measure: Immediately move the person to fresh air. Lose his clothes so that the victim can breathe easily. Consult medical advice. If not breathing, give artificial breathing.
   • Ingestion: If it is ingested mistakenly, it can cause irritation, and pain in the abdomen.
     First Aid Measure: Do not induce vomiting. Do not give anything to the victim. Immediately wash the mouth of the victim with excess water. Consult medical advice.
     Safety measures: Wear safety goggles, chemically resistant gloves, and protective clothing. Use well-ventilated areas for experimentation and research purposes. Use mask to avoid inhalation of fumes.
3. References

1. PubChem NIH – Silver Nitrate
2. BYJU – Silver Nitrate
3. WikiHow – How To Make Silver Nitrate
4. PubChem NIH – Silver Nitrate – 2.4.2 Depositor-Supplied Synonyms
5. Sigma-Aldrich – Silver Nitrate CAS# 7761-88-8
6. PubChem NIH – Silver Nitrate 3 Chemical and Physical Properties
7. Sigma Aldrich – Silver Nitrate Safety Data Sheet
8. Carl Roth – Silver Nitrate Safety Data Sheet
9. ReAgent Chemicals – What Are The Medical Uses of Silver Nitrate?
10. Vedantu – Silver Nitrate