Article Directory
Free Online Article Directory. For Article Authors & Publishers

Relevant Facts About Silver Nitrate

Silver nitrate is possibly the most important compound of silver as it's used in a variety of industrial, commercial, and sanitary applications. The compound is soluble in water, giving a colorless solution, but it is a white crystalline compound when pure. The AgNO3 crystals have no odor but have a bitter metallic taste and may assume grayish tinge in the presence of small amounts of organic contaminants. So a grayish tint on the white crystals is an indication that organic contaminants have changed the Ag+ ions to Ag atoms. The applications of this popular silver compound span from being a catalyst in key industrial chemical processes to being an antiseptic and antibacterial agent in hospitals.

It is also known as lunar caustic and contains three elements as shown by its chemical formula and these are silver, nitrogen, and oxygen. This inorganic compound is solid and crystalline in its pure form with a melting point of 212 degrees Celsius. Heating the substance to 440 degrees causes it to decompose. Apart from being soluble in water, it is also soluble in ethyl alcohol and glycerol and may be soluble in acetone.

Uses in Printing and Photography

Lunar caustic has been used since the 18th century and it was used first in printing during the early 1700's. Johann Schulze, a German chemist, used the compound in printing during the 1720's. He noticed that when a mixture of silver, nitric acid, and chalk darkens when exposed to light. Note that silver and nitric acid react to form AgNO3. This discovery of Johann Schulze led the way to the development of the science of photography. It served as one of the precursors to the succeeding technology that was known in the 20th century as film photography.

Thomas Wedgwood used the chemical in a similar fashion. He used the compound to make temporary negative prints on paper in 1802 and he was able to produce various shades of gray. Thirty three years later, a British mathematician names William Henry Fox Talbot had come up with the very first paper negative, which he successfully made by coating AgNO3 and NaCl (table salt) on paper.

Therapeutic Uses

It seems as though that it was in the field of printing and photography that the uses of the chemical were discovered. However, the succeeding years proved that this popular salt compound of silver has more to offer. Sometime in the late 19th century, the Greeks and Romans discovered the therapeutic benefits of the compound. They used dilute solutions of the chemical to treat wounds. It was Carl Crede that instigated the use of dilute AgNO3 solutions in treating the eyes of newborns to prevent bacterial eye infection that may result in blindness. Back in the day, this eye infection is transmitted by the mother with gonorrhea. However, this practice is no longer carried out in the modern medicine.

The compound has antimicrobial properties, although its disinfecting properties are somehow limited. A dilute solution containing this chemical is sprayed on walls in medical laboratories or facilities. It is also used on humans and you may find some topical antibacterial solutions that contain silver nitrate. This compound also plays a key role in cauterization, the process of burning skin tissue to seal wounds or remove warts.

The silver compound is used in the making of mirrors. It is mixed with sodium hydroxide, ammonia, and glucose. This solution turns silvery when cooled and coats its container and the immersed glass with a highly reflective silvery film. The substance also serves as a catalyst in the making of ethylene oxide which is used in making plastics. The compound in aqueous solution is a good medium in silver plating of plastics and metals. Small amounts of AgNO3 may be added to water, a solution which becomes a flower preservative.

Author Resource:- Jo is an author and publisher for 'ReAgent Chemical Services Ltd', a reputable UK stationed chemical firm that creates, stocks and sells a huge variety of premium chemical. If your company is searching for superior quality chemical product such as Silver Nitrate then have a look at ReAgent Chemical Services Ltd (www.reagent.co.uk).
Submitted 2011-01-03 13:34:51
By: Jo Alelsto 99 or more times read
Article Read 325 Times
Article From
Article Listed
[Valid RSS feed]  Jo Alelsto's Author Feed
http://www.articlelisted.com/author-rss-feed.php?rss=563
[Valid RSS feed]  Category Rss Feed
http://www.articlelisted.com/rss.php?rss=24

Related Articles

  • Grow Your Business Through Local Internet Marketing


    Every big corporation has to start out small and work their way up, and with local Internet marketing, you can get the word out faster and jumpstart your own company's growth.
  • Seattle Storage Is Ever More Popular Because Of The Convenience Of Storing It On Your Site


    Throughout Washington state, you will see rooms for storage; Seattle storage gives you many choices when it comes to your storing needs.
  • A Few Popular Uses Of Steel Buildings


    Steel buildings are becoming increasingly common in a variety of different residential and commercial uses.
  • The Pest Control Dallas Homeowners Require Is The Complete Kind


    When you move into a new home in the Dallas, Texas area, you will want to have your home effectively inspected to insure that there are no insect infestations that could be harmful to you or your family, and for that, you want the best pest control Dallas has to offer.
  • The Best Plumbers in Cardiff


    Cardiff plumbers are the best in the UK. provides a bewildering of pipeactivity and outputs placed in an edifice for the dispersion of potable water and the extrication of water-borne effluent matter and is carried out by, proficient traders called plumbers who labor with pipes, tubing and fittings in those operations
  • What Can Telephone Surveys Do For Business?


    Like all businesses, it is important to keep abreast with the current trends in the market. Now, where do conducting telephone surveys come into this?
  • San Francisco SEO IS Able To Make A Difference In Your Company


    If you reside in San Francisco SEO might be a way that you have heard of that you can take advantage but never really fully understand.
  • This Graco Lauren Classic Crib Opinions


    The particular Graco Lauren Classic Crib is usually a lovely and also hard-wearing 4-in-1 convertible baby crib. The design and style remains safe and secure accredited which is fashionable by design and style.
  • Charleston Alimony Attorney


    Find out what a Charleston Alimony Attorney can do for you if facing a serious family law related issue. An attorney is equipped to help you with all aspects of the dissolution of your marriage, legal separation or annulment. The Charleston Divorce Attorney is equipped with the knowledge and skills to present your case in the best light. The Huntington Child Custody Lawyer works carefully to ensure that every step is handled thoroughly and competently.
  • Everything About Carpet Cleaning Goldcoast Methods


    We admit that majority of homeowners are busy people and often neglect to clean their carpets

HTML Ready Article. Click on the "Copy" button to copy into your clipboard.




Firefox users please select/copy/paste as usual
Actions
Print This Article
Add To Favorites


Navigation
select
Home
select
Sign up
select
Login
select
Submit Articles
select
Submission Guidelines
select
learn more
select
Top Articles
select
About Us
select
Contact Us
select
Privacy Policy
select
RSS Feeds
   
Submit Your Articles To Our Other Article Directory
Morefreeinformation.com