Physical Properties
- Appearance: White crystalline solid or colorless transparent prisms.
- Melting Point: 212°C.
- Boiling Point: 444°C.
- Density: 4.35 g/cm³ at 25°C.
- Solubility:
- Highly soluble in water (219 g/100 mL at 20°C).
- Soluble in ethanol, ammonia, and glycerol; slightly soluble in ether.
- Stability: Stable in air and light, but decomposes when in contact with organic materials or sulfides.
Chemical Properties
- Reactivity:
- Strong oxidizing agent.
- Decomposes at high temperatures (above 450°C) to form silver, nitrogen oxides, and oxygen.
- Reacts with proteins to form a brown precipitate.
- Photoreactivity: Sensitive to light; darkens upon exposure to organic materials.
Uses
- Photography: Used in photographic emulsions for X-ray films, movie films, and photographic papers.
- Electronics: Used in the production of conductive adhesives, gas purifiers, and molecular sieves.
- Medical Applications: Used as an antiseptic, disinfectant, and for cauterizing wounds.
- Analytical Chemistry: Used as a reagent for detecting chloride, bromide, and iodide ions.
- Electroplating: Used for silver plating in electronics and decorative applications.
Safety Information
- Health Hazards:
- Causes severe irritation to skin and eyes; prolonged contact may lead to silver deposition in tissues (argyria).
- Inhalation may cause respiratory irritation.
- First Aid:
- Skin Contact: Rinse with plenty of water and remove contaminated clothing.
- Eye Contact: Rinse with water for at least 15 minutes and seek medical attention.
- Inhalation: Move to fresh air and seek medical attention.
- Ingestion: Drink water or milk and seek medical attention.
- Storage: Store in a cool, dry place, away from light and organic materials.
Environmental Information
- Ecotoxicity: Highly toxic to aquatic life and may have long-term adverse effects.
- Decomposition Products: Silver, nitrogen oxides.
Transport Information
- UN Number: 1491.
- Hazard Class: 6.1 (Toxic substances).
- Packing Group: III.