Silver nitrate
From Freepedia
| Silver nitrate | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Image:Silver nitrate.jpg | ||||
| General | ||||
| Molecular formula | AgNO3 | |||
| Molar mass | 169.89 g/mol | |||
| Appearance | white solid | |||
| CAS number | [7761-88-8] | |||
| Properties | ||||
| Density and phase | 4.4 g/cm3, solid | |||
| Solubility in water | 245 g/100 ml (? °C) | |||
| Melting point | 212 °C | |||
| Boiling point | 444 °C decomp. | |||
| Structure | ||||
| Coordination geometry | ? | |||
| Crystal structure | ? | |||
| Hazards | ||||
| MSDS | External MSDS | |||
| EU classification | Corrosive (C) Dangerous for the environment (N) | |||
| NFPA 704 |
| |||
| R-phrases | R34, R50/53 | |||
| S-phrases | S1/2, S26, S45, S60, S61 | |||
| Flash point | non-flammable | |||
| Supplementary data page | ||||
| Structure and properties | n, εr, etc. | |||
| Thermodynamic data | Phase behaviour Solid, liquid, gas | |||
| Spectral data | UV, IR, NMR, MS | |||
| Related compounds | ||||
| Other anions | ? | |||
| Other cations | Copper(II) nitrate | |||
| Except where noted otherwise, data are given for materials in their standard state (at 25 °C, 100 kPa) Infobox disclaimer and references | ||||
Silver nitrate is a chemical compound with chemical formula AgNO3. This nitrate of silver is a light-sensitive ingredient in photographic film and is a poisonous, corrosive compound. Silver nitrate crystals can be produced by dissolving silver in nitric acid and evaporating the solution. The compound notably stains skin a greyish or black color that is made visible after exposure to sunlight.
When making photographic film, fine silver nitrate particles are bonded to strips of tri-acetate or polyester. Photons from sunlight, X-rays or other sources, initiate a purported chemical chain reaction: when photons strike silver nitrate molecules, they free electrons from the silver ions. These free electrons roam through the crystal and settle in structural imperfections called sensitivity specks. These specks apparently attract positive silver ions, which are then neutralized to form groups of stable silver atoms, creating a latent image that is chemically developed to reveal a photographic image.
Silver nitrate has been used as an antiseptic, dropped into newborn babies' eyes at birth. This is to prevent contraction of gonorrhoea or chlamydia from their mother. A very weak solution is used for this, (about 1%) and there are very few side effects.
Mythically, silver nitrate was used as a method of killing Vampires, with the silver nitrate generally being injected into a bullet cartrige or used in a hypodermic needle.
Fused silver nitrate, shaped into sticks, was traditionally called lunar caustic and used as a cauterizing agent.
Hazards
Silver nitrate is harmful to the environment,is toxic to fish and can discolor skin when exposed.
See also
External links
- International Chemical Safety Card 1116
- NIOSH Pocket Guide to Chemical Hazards
- European Chemicals Bureau
- Film Making
