Silver nitrate
Molar mass: 169.87 g/mol · Class: Ionic salt
Elements: silver, nitrogen, oxygen
Structure
The solid is an ionic lattice of Ag+ and flat, triangular nitrate ions. In solution the silver ions react with halides to form insoluble precipitates: white silver chloride, cream silver bromide, yellow silver iodide.
Properties
Colorless crystals that darken in light
Very soluble in water
Stains skin black on contact (forms silver metal)
Strong oxidizing agent in the solid state
Applications
Traditional black-and-white photography
Laboratory test for halide ions
Medical cauterization of warts and wounds
Mirror and electronics manufacturing
Corrosive to skin and eyes; stains skin black. Harmful if swallowed. Keep in dark bottles away from light. Wear gloves and goggles; keep locked away from children.
Data source: IUPAC standard atomic weights 2021; molar mass computed from AgNO3