Silver nitrate, also known as lunar caustic, is a chemical compound with the formula AgNO3. It’s a colorless, odorless, crystalline solid with a specific structure. This compound is formed when silver reacts with nitric acid.It has diverse uses in different fields. It’s used in biology, chemistry, and medicine. In chemistry, it’s used to make other silver-based products, particularly for photography. It’s also used in organic chemistry for specific reactions.
However, it’s important to handle silver nitrate carefully as it can irritate the skin and eyes. In severe cases, prolonged exposure can lead to a condition called argyria.
CAS No.: 7761-88-8
Synonyms: Lunar caustic; Silver (1+) nitrate; Nitric acid, silver (1+) salt; nitrato de prata; nitrato d’argento; nitrato de plata; nitrate d’argent.
| Physical Properties | |
| Chemical formula | AgNO3 |
| IUPAC Name | silver;nitrate |
| Molecular weight | 169.873 g/mol |
| Density | 4.35 g/mL at 25 °C |
| Solubility | Water & Ethanol (96%) |
| pH | 5.4-6.4 |
| Chemical Properties | |
| Color | White |
| State | Solid |
| Melting point | 212 °C |
| Vapor pressure | 17.535 mm of Hg at 20°C |
| Flash point | 40°C |
| Odor | Odorless |
| Pictograms : |     |
| Hazard Statements : | H272: May intensify fire; oxidizer. |
| Precautionary statements : | P210: Keep away from heat, hot surfaces, sparks, open flames and other ignition sources. No smoking. P260: Do not breathe dust. P280: Wear protective gloves/ protective clothing/ eye protection/ face protection. P303 + P361 + P353: IF ON SKIN (or hair): Take off immediately all contaminated clothing. Rinse skin with water. P304 + P340 + P310: IF INHALED: Remove person to fresh air and keep comfortable for breathing. Immediately call a POISON CENTER/ doctor. P305 + P351 + P338: IF IN EYES: Rinse cautiously with water for several minutes. Remove contact lenses, if present and easy to do. Continuerinsing. |
Silver nitrate, also known as lunar caustic, is a chemical compound with the formula AgNO3. It’s a colorless, odorless, crystalline solid with a specific structure. This compound is formed when silver reacts with nitric acid.It has diverse uses in different fields. It’s used in biology, chemistry, and medicine. In chemistry, it’s used to make other silver-based products, particularly for photography. It’s also used in organic chemistry for specific reactions.
However, it’s important to handle silver nitrate carefully as it can irritate the skin and eyes. In severe cases, prolonged exposure can lead to a condition called argyria.
CAS No.: 7761-88-8
Synonyms: Lunar caustic; Silver (1+) nitrate; Nitric acid, silver (1+) salt; nitrato de prata; nitrato d’argento; nitrato de plata; nitrate d’argent.
| Physical Properties | |
| Chemical formula | AgNO3 |
| IUPAC Name | silver;nitrate |
| Molecular weight | 169.873 g/mol |
| Density | 4.35 g/mL at 25 °C |
| Solubility | Water & Ethanol (96%) |
| pH | 5.4-6.4 |
| Chemical Properties | |
| Color | White |
| State | Solid |
| Melting point | 212 °C |
| Vapor pressure | 17.535 mm of Hg at 20°C |
| Flash point | 40°C |
| Odor | Odorless |
| Pictograms : | |
| Hazard Statements : | H272: May intensify fire; oxidizer. |
| Precautionary statements : | P210: Keep away from heat, hot surfaces, sparks, open flames and other ignition sources. No smoking. P260: Do not breathe dust. P280: Wear protective gloves/ protective clothing/ eye protection/ face protection. P303 + P361 + P353: IF ON SKIN (or hair): Take off immediately all contaminated clothing. Rinse skin with water. P304 + P340 + P310: IF INHALED: Remove person to fresh air and keep comfortable for breathing. Immediately call a POISON CENTER/ doctor. P305 + P351 + P338: IF IN EYES: Rinse cautiously with water for several minutes. Remove contact lenses, if present and easy to do. Continuerinsing. |
Silver nitrate is a medication primarily used for sterilization, a process that involves burning off skin to stop bleeding or prevent infection. It’s also effective in removing granulation tissue and warts. Additionally, silver nitrate has applications in photography and chemical synthesis.
Silver nitrate is produced by the reaction of silver metal with nitric acid.
Yes, silver nitrate can be harmful to the skin if not used correctly. It can cause skin irritation, burning, and discoloration.
Yes, silver nitrate can be used to remove skin tags. It works by cauterizing the skin tag, essentially burning it off.
However, it’s important to note that this method should be performed by a healthcare professional, as improper use can lead to scarring or infection.
