Analytical Chemistry

Presented By:
Kamran Ali(17)
Usama Mukhtar(18)
Sania Mobeen(19)
Abdul Qudoos(20)
Presented To:
Dr. Karamet Shahzad

Department Of Pharmacy
Inorganic substances

SILVER NITRATE
Table content
1. Introduction
2. Chemical identification
3. Physical properties
4. Chemical properties
5. Preparation / Synthesis
6. Chemical Reactions
7. Principle in Analytical Chemistry
8. Analytical Applications
9. Pharmaceutical Uses
10. Storage Conditions
11. Advantages
12. Disadvantages
History

In the 13th century, Albertus Magnus observed that nitric acid could
be used to separate silver from gold by dissolving the silver. He also
noticed that the silver nitrate solution formed during this process had
the effect of darkening or blackening the skin upon contact. This
discovery marked an important step in understanding the properties
and uses of silver nitrate.
Introduction

• Silver nitrate (AgNO₃) is a colorless or white

crystalline solid that darkens to black upon
exposure to light or organic substances due to the
reduction of silver ions to metallic silver.

• It is a primary silver salt precursor with a

molecular weight of 169.87 g/mol and a melting
point of 212 °C. Widely used in industries such
as photography, medicine, and manufacturing.

• silver nitrate is valued for its chemical reactivity

and versatility.
Introduction
• Silver nitrate is highly soluble in water, dissolving at approximately
122 g per 100 mL at 20°C, and is non-hygroscopic, which enhances
its stability during storage.

• Its light sensitivity and antimicrobial properties make it essential in

photographic emulsions( a special light sensitive coating that forms
image when light falls on it) , as an antiseptic (kill bacteria) and as a
coating agent in the glass industry (to make mirrors).

• Additionally, it serves as a flux to remove copper oxide fire scale in

silver refining. Silver nitrate helps remove the unwanted copper oxide
layer from silver during heating, making the silver clean and pure.

• The global silver nitrate market benefits from its cost-effectiveness

compared to other silver salts, driving demand across pharmaceutical,
chemical synthesis, and industrial applications.
Physical Properties of Silver Nitrate (AgNO₃)
1. Appearance
• Colorless, transparent crystals or white crystalline powder
• Looks clean and shiny in pure form
2. Odor and Taste
• Odor: Completely odorless
• Taste: Bitter and metallic taste
3. Molecular Weight
• 169.87 g/mol
• Made up of: Ag (107.87) + N (14) + O₃ (48) = 169.87
4. Melting Point
• 212°C
• It melts at a fairly high temperature showing it is a stable solid at room
temperature
5. Boiling Point
• 440°C
• At this temperature it does not boil, it decomposes instead
Physical Properties of Silver Nitrate (AgNO₃)
6. Solubility
• Water: Highly soluble in water
• Ethanol: Slightly soluble
• Ether: Practically insoluble
7. pH of Solution
• Aqueous solution is slightly acidic
• pH ≈ 5.4 to 6.0
8. Light Sensitivity
• AgNO₃ is highly sensitive to light
• Turns gray or black when exposed to sunlight
• Must always be stored in amber colored (dark) bottles away from light
9. State at Room Temperature
• Exists as a solid at room temperature
• Stable, dry, and does not change shape or absorb water from
surroundings(non hygroscopic).
 Chemical Properties of Silver Nitrate (AgNO₃)
1. Nature of Compound
Silver nitrate is an ionic compound consisting of silver cation (Ag⁺) and nitrate
anion (NO₃⁻). It is neutral to slightly acidic salt in aqueous solution (pH ≈ 5.4–
6.0).
2. Oxidizing Nature
AgNO₃ acts as a mild oxidizing agent. The Ag⁺ ion readily accepts electrons and
is reduced to metallic silver (Ag⁰). This is why it stains skin permanently black, it
oxidizes skin proteins and gets reduced to metallic silver deposits.
3. Photosensitivity
AgNO₃ is highly photosensitive. On exposure to light, Ag⁺ ions are
photochemically reduced to metallic silver, causing the compound to turn gray or
black. This is the basis of black-and-white photography. It must be stored in
amber/dark bottles.
4. Corrosive and Caustic Nature
In concentrated form, silver nitrate is strongly caustic and corrosive to living
tissue. It destroys and coagulates proteins in skin and mucous membranes,
making it useful medically as a cauterizing agent (burns tissues to stop bleeding
or remove unwanted skin) for warts, ulcers, and granulation tissue.
Chemical Properties of Silver Nitrate (AgNO₃)
5. Thermal Instability
Silver nitrate is thermally unstable at high temperatures. Above 440°C, it
undergoes complete decomposition, releasing metallic silver, nitrogen dioxide,
and oxygen. It begins to darken well before its decomposition point.
6. Precipitating Agent for Halides
AgNO₃ reacts with chloride, bromide, and iodide ions to form insoluble silver
halide precipitates of characteristic colors (white, pale yellow, yellow
respectively). This makes it a key qualitative analytical reagent.
7. Electrolytic Nature
In aqueous solution, AgNO₃ is a strong electrolyte, it completely dissociates
into Ag⁺ and NO₃⁻ ions, making the solution a good conductor of electricity.
Synthesis of Silver Nitrate

Principle:
Silver nitrate is prepared by reacting metallic silver with nitric acid.
Concentrated acid:
Ag + 2HNO3 → AgNO3 + NO2 + H2O
Dilute acid:
3Ag + 4HNO3 → 3AgNO3 + NO + 2H2O

Laboratory Procedure:
• Nitric acid is passed slowly over metallic silver
• Reaction is performed in a fume hood(toxic gases released in the reaction).
• Reaction produces brown fumes due to presence of NO2 gas.
• The mixture is heated gently to ensure complete dissolution of silver.
• A clear solution of AgNO3 is formed.
Cont.
• The solution is filtered to remove impurities.
• Concentrate solution is obtained by evaporation.
• Cooling of solution leads to crystal formation.
• Crystals are collected by filtration.
• Since product is a photosensitive, it is dried in controlled conditions.
Chemical Reactions of Silver Nitrate
1. Reaction with Halides:
On reaction of silver nitrate with halides, insoluble silver halides are produced.
The reaction is used in salt analysis since each salt gives specific color of
precipitate.

AgNO3 + NaCl → AgCl↓ + NaNO3 (white ppt)

AgNO3 + KBr → AgBr↓ + KNO3 (cream ppt)
AgNO3 + KI → AgI↓ + KNO3 (yellow ppt)
Cont.
2. Reaction with Ammonia:
In aqueous medium silver nitrate dissociates and Ag+ reacts with ammonia to
form diamminesilver complex (Tollen’s reagent).

Ag+ + 2NH3 → [Ag(NH3)2]+

Tollen’s reagent is used in analysis of Aldehydes.

3. Reaction with Alkali:

Silver oxide forms which is unstable and immediately breaks down. The final
product is Silver oxide which forms brown precipitates.

AgNO3 + NaOH → AgOH + NaNO3

2AgOH → Ag2O + H2O (Brown ppt)
Cont.
4. Thermal Decomposition
Decomposition on heating produces silver metal and gases.

2AgNO3 → 2Ag + 2NO2 + O2

Principles in Analytical Chemistry (Silver Nitrate)

a. Ionic Dissociation (Basic Idea)

Silver nitrate dissolves completely in water:
•AgNO₃ → Ag⁺ + NO₃⁻
Easy point: Only Ag⁺ ion does the reaction¹
Example:
When testing salt solution (NaCl), Ag⁺ reacts immediately with Cl⁻.

b. Precipitation Reaction (Most Important Principle)

Silver ions form insoluble salts with halides:
•Ag⁺ + Cl⁻ → AgCl (white ppt)
•Ag⁺ + Br⁻ → AgBr (cream ppt)
•Ag⁺ + I⁻ → AgI (yellow ppt)
Easy point: Color helps identify the ion²
Example (Practical):
In lab, if white precipitate forms → chloride is present
c. Solubility & Selectivity
•AgCl dissolves in ammonia
•AgI does NOT dissolve
Easy point: Helps confirm which halide is present³
Example:
Add NH₃ → ppt disappears → it is chloride

d. Complex Formation
Silver forms soluble complex:
•AgCl + NH₃ → [Ag(NH₃)₂]⁺
Easy point: Used to confirm results²

e. Protein Binding (Biochemical Principle)

Silver binds to proteins → visible staining
Example:
Used in protein gel analysis (silver staining)⁴
2. Analytical Applications
a. Qualitative Analysis
Detects halides (Cl⁻, Br⁻, I⁻)
Example:
Testing unknown solution in lab → add AgNO₃ → white ppt = chloride
b. Quantitative Analysis (Titration)
Measures exact amount of chloride
Example:
•Checking NaCl content in IV saline⁵
•Water testing for salt level
c. Water Testing
Measures chloride in drinking water
Example:
High chloride → salty or polluted water

d. Protein Detection
Very sensitive detection method
Example:
•Used in research labs for DNA/protein visualization⁴
e. Pharmaceutical Analysis
Used to analyze drug purity
Example:
•Detect chloride impurities in medicines

f. Microbial Testing
Due to antimicrobial nature
Example:
•Used in lab media to control bacterial growth⁶
3. Pharmaceutical Uses
a. Antimicrobial Use (Most Common)
Silver nitrate kills microbes by destroying proteins and enzymes¹
Marketed Products:
•Avoca Silver Nitrate Applicators
Used in hospitals for:
Small wounds Skin infections
Umbilical cord care in newborns
•BD Silver Nitrate Sticks
Used by doctors to:
Stop minor bleeding Prevent infection

b. Cauterizing Agent (Very Important)

Burns tissue chemically to stop bleeding
Simple Uses:
Nose bleeding (epistaxis) Warts removal Ulcers treatment
Product Example:
•Arzol Silver Nitrate Applicators
Common in ENT clinics
c. Ophthalmic Use
Prevents eye infection in newborns
Example:
1% silver nitrate drops (historical use)⁷
Prevents gonorrheal infection (ophthalmia neonatorum)

d. Burn and Wound Care

Used as dilute solution (0.5%)
Product Example:
•Silver Nitrate Topical Solution
Helps:
Prevent infection Promote healing⁸
e. ENT & Dental Use
Used in clinics
Examples:
Stop nose bleeding Treat oral ulcers
Same silver nitrate sticks are used

f. Modern Use (Advanced)

Studied for antibiotic-resistant bacteria
Example:
Silver-based drugs being developed for resistant infections⁶
Storage Conditions of Silver Nitrate
(AgNO₃)
Explanation:
Silver nitrate is light-sensitive and chemically reactive, therefore it must be
stored under controlled conditions to maintain its stability and effectiveness in
analytical work.
Key Storage Conditions:
➢ It should be stored in dark-colored (amber) glass bottles to protect it from
light
Cont.
➢ It must be kept in a cool and dry place to avoid decomposition.
➢ Airtight containers should be used to prevent contamination.
➢ It should be kept away from organic substances and reducing agents due to
its oxidizing nature.
➢ Exposure to direct sunlight must be avoided as it leads to decomposition
into metallic silver
Advantages of Silver Nitrate:
Explanation:
Silver nitrate is widely used in analytical chemistry because of its accuracy and
reliability in chemical reactions.
Key Advantages:
➢ It provides highly accurate and precise results in titrations.
➢ It helps in treating wounds, ulcers and burns by preventing infections and
promoting healings.
Cont.
➢ Historically used to prevent eye infections (like neonatal conjunctivitis) in
newborns.
➢ It forms insoluble precipitates which are useful in analysis.
➢ It is an important component in the production of photographic films and
papers due to its light-sensitive nature.
➢ It is simple to use and gives consistent results in laboratory work.
Disadvantages of Silver Nitrate
Explanation:
Despite its usefulness, silver nitrate has certain limitations that can affect its
handling and analytical performance.
Key Disadvantages:
➢ It is sensitive to light and decomposes easily when exposed.
➢ It is relatively expensive compared to other reagents.
Cont.
➢ It can stain skin and clothing due to deposition of silver.
➢ It is corrosive and toxic, requiring careful handling.
➢ It is harmful if ingested, inhaled, or comes in contact with skin in high
amounts. It can cause burns and irritation
➢ It requires strict storage conditions to maintain its effectiveness.
References

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Chemistry (9th ed.). Cengage Learning.
[Link], A. I. (2011). Quantitative Chemical Analysis (6th ed.). Pearson.
[Link], T. (2010). Silver staining of proteins. Electrophoresis, 31(11), 1789–1797.
[Link]
[Link], D. C. (2015). Quantitative Chemical Analysis (9th ed.). W.H. Freeman.
[Link], M., Yadav, A., & Gade, A. (2009). Silver as antimicrobial agent. Biotechnology
Advances, 27(1), 76–83.
[Link]. (2021). Neonatal eye infection prevention. [Link]
[Link]. (2023). Silver nitrate compound summary.
[Link]