Home Contact About

Silver Nitrate

CAS No.: 7761-88-8
Molecular Weight: 169.87 g/mol
Chemical Formula AgNO3

Silver nitrate is a poisonous colorless crystalline inorganic compound with chemical formula AgNO3 that becomes grayish black when exposed to light in the presence of organic matter and is used in manufacturing photographic film, silvering mirrors, dyeing hair, plating silver, and in medicine as a cautery and antiseptic. Silver nitrate is the least expensive salt of silver; it offers several other advantages as well. Silver nitrate is used in many ways in organic synthesis, e.g. for deprotection and oxidations. Ag+ binds alkenes reversibly, and silver nitrate has been used to separate mixtures of alkenes by selective absorption. In histology, silver nitrate is used for silver staining, for demonstrating reticular fibers, proteins and nucleic acids. It is also used as a stain in scanning electron microscopy. Silver salts have antiseptic properties. Dentists sometimes use silver nitrate infused swabs to heal oral ulcers. Silver nitrate is also used by some podiatrists to kill cells located in the nail bed. Silver nitrate is also used to cauterize superficial blood vessels in the nose to help prevent nose bleeds. There are several uses of Silver nitrate and are listed below.

Silver nitrate:
Synonym
: Nitric acid silver (I) salt
CAS Number: 7761-88-8
Molecular Formula: AgNO3
Molecular Weight: 169.87
EC Number: 231-853-9
Shelf Life: Indefinite.
It is not light sensitive (even in direct sunlight) when kept inside a sealed container.
It can be handled in room lighting without risk of light sensitivity.
Always use Distilled Water when dissolving Silver Nitrate.
Silver Nitrate powder is generally toxic. The taste is extremely bitter!
Always store Silver Nitrate in Glass Containers!
Silver Nitrate can be stored safely in Polyacrylate (eg: "2 liter Soda bottle" plastic).

We offer Silver nitrate crystals. Due to the versatile nature, it is used in various industries. They can be used for Plating, and as a constituent, in pharmaceutical industries.

Specifications of Silver Nitrate Crystals Analytical Reagent Grade:

Appearance: White crystalline solid
Assay: 99.0% (min) Typically 99.8-99.9%
Chloride: 0.0005% (max)
Sulphate: 0.002(max)
Copper: 0.0002%
Iron: 0.0002 %
Lead: 0.001%
Clarity of Solution: to pass the test
Density: 4.35 g/cm3
Melting point: 212 °C, 485 K, 414 °F
Boiling point: 444 °C, 717 K, 831 °F (decompose)

Silver Nitrate Solution Making:

Use this Table to make Silver Nitrate Solution

Normal (Molar) Solution Desired High Purity Silver Nitrate +Distilled Water to Make 1
0.020 N 3.Liter397 grams
0.025 N 4.246 grams
0.050 N 8.493 grams
0.1 N 16.987 grams
0.2 N 33.974 grams
0.25 N 42.467 grams
0.5 N 84.935 grams
1.0 N 169.870 grams
2.0 N 339.740 grams

Use De-Ionized -or- Distilled Water only. (Never use tap water).
Store your solution capped. Don't let it evaporate - that will concentrate it!
Store your standard solutions in Glass Containers. (Not in soft plastic)
Silver Nitrate solutions can be stored in type PETE 1 (polyethylene terephthalate ester) Plastic.

Silver Nitrate Uses:

In the Laboratory

Test for the presence of Chlorine, Bromine and Iodine ions. Color of precipitate; White=Chloride, Pale Yellow=Bromide, Yellow=Iodide.
Silver Nitrate is used in Oil Fields to determine the amount of Chloride ions in water and drilling fluids.

In Manufacturing
Silver Plating - electroplating Silver onto a base metal such as Nickel.
Hair Dye.
Pharmaceutical

In Biology
A stain for proteins and nucleic acids.
A stain in scanning electron microscopy.
Detecting Calcium in tissue samples.
To kill "Silvery Thread Moss" on golf greens.

In Medical History
A Cauterizing Agent.
Dentists sometimes use it infused in swabs to help heal mouth ulcers.
Doctors sometimes used it to remove warts.
Silver Nitrate tends to be very toxic to bacteria and other lower life forms.

In Photography
Very high purity Silver Nitrate is the starting material for all chemical based photography.

In Ceramics
Silver Nitrate is used when firing pottery in a kiln to make beautiful colors.

It is used in Inks, like indelible, permanent fabric marker pens Explosives. It prevents premature shrinking or dropping of buds and blooms, in cut flowers. (2.83% solution). It inhibits cut flowers from making ethylene, which causes them to ripen.

Our Silver Nitrate is new and freshly prepared. The powder has been crystallized and sifted. Store Silver Nitrate in its original dark brown glass bottle. Keep bottle in cabinet and away from sunlight. Pure Silver Nitrate is not light sensitive, however.

We also manufacture and supply as under:

Silver Sulfadiazine.

Silver Nitrate SDS, Safety Data Sheet
MSDS Sheet, Material Safety Data Sheet
16-Nov-20

1. Product Identification

Product Name & Other Names: Silver (I) nitrate or Lunar caustic or Nitric acid silver salt.
CAS No.: 7761-88-8
EINECS EC Number: 231-853-9
Molecular Weight: 169.87
Molecular Formula: AgNO3
Relevant uses and uses advised against (if any): Industrial Manufacturing.
Suppliers: As per letterhead.

2. Hazards Identification

GHS, Globally Harmonized System Classification in accordance with 29 CFR 1910
Classification according to Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008

Oxidizing Solids Category 3, H272
Acute toxicity - Oral Category 4, H302
Skin corrosion/irritation Category 2, H315
Serious eye damage/eye irritation Category 1, H318
Hazardous to the aquatic environment, acute hazard Category 1, H400

Labeling according GHS & Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008

GHS Label Elements
Oxidizing Solid
Oxidizing Solid

GHS Label Elements
corrosive.png
Corrosive

GHS Label Elements
marinepollutant.png
Marine Pollutant

Signal Word: Danger

Hazard Statements:
H272 - May intensify fire; oxidizer
H302 - Harmful if swallowed
H315 - Causes skin irritation
H318 - Causes serious eye damage
H400 - Very toxic to aquatic life

Precautionary Statements - Prevention
P210: Keep away from heat/sparks/open flames/hot surfaces. - No smoking.
P220: Keep/Store away from clothing/combustible materials
P221: Take any precaution to avoid mixing with combustibles
P260: Do not breath dust.
P264: Wash face, hands and any exposed skin thoroughly after handling
P270: Do not eat, drink or smoke when using this product
P271: Use only outdoors or in a well-ventilated area
P272: Contaminated work clothing should not be allowed out of the workplace.
P273 : Avoid release to the environment
P280: Wear protective gloves/ protective clothing/ eye protection/ face protection
P285: In case of inadequate ventilation wear respiratory protection
Precautionary Statements - Response
P301 + P312: IF SWALLOWED: Call a POISON CENTER or doctor if you feel unwell.
P302 + P352: IF ON SKIN: Wash with plenty of water.
P304+P340: IF INHALED: Remove person to fresh air and keep comfortable for breathing
P305 + P351 + P338: IF IN EYES: Rinse cautiously with water for several minutes. Remove contact lenses, if present and easy to do. Continue rinsing.
P314: Get Medical advice/attention if you feel unwell.
P330: If swallowed, rinse mouth.
P333 + P313: If skin irritation or rash occurs: Get medical advice/ attention.
P337 + P313: If eye irritation persists: Get medical advice/ attention
P342 + P311: If experiencing respiratory symptoms: Call a POISON CENTER or doctor.
P362: Take off contaminated clothing and wash before reuse.
P370 + P378: In case of fire: Use water for extinction
P391: Collect spillage.
P405 - Store locked up
P501: Dispose of contents/container in accordance with local, regional, national, international regulations.

Classification according to EU Directives 67/548/EEC or 1999/45/EC:
Hazard Symbols:
O Oxidizing.
Xn Harmful.
Xi Irritant.
N Dangerous for the environment.
Risk Phrases:
R8 Contact with combustible material may cause fire.
R22 Harmful if swallowed.
R34 Causes burns.
R38 Irritating to skin.
R41 Risk of serious damage to eyes.
R50 Very toxic to aquatic organisms.

2. Composition/Information on Ingredients

Product Name & Other Names: Silver (I) nitrate or Lunar caustic or Nitric acid silver salt.
CAS No.: 7761-88-8
EINECS EC Number: 231-853-9

4. First Aid Measures

Always seek medical attention after first aid measures are provided.

Inhalation: If Silver Nitrate is inhaled, remove to fresh air. If breathing is difficult, give oxygen. Get medical attention.
Ingestion: Do not induce vomiting unless directed to do so by medical personnel. Never give anything by mouth to an unconscious person. If large quantities of this material are swallowed, call a physician immediately. Loosen tight clothing.
Skin Contact:
Immediately flush skin with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes while removing contaminated clothing and shoes. Get medical attention. Wash clothing before reuse. Thoroughly clean shoes before reuse.
Eye Contact: Check for and remove any contact lenses. In case of contact, immediately flush eyes with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes. Get medical attention.

5. Fire Fighting Measures

Fire: Silver Nitrate is not combustible, but substance is a strong oxidizer and its heat of reaction with reducing agents or combustibles may cause ignition.
Explosion: Some nitrates may explode when shocked, exposed to heat or flame, or by spontaneous chemical reaction. Sealed containers may rupture when heated. Sensitive to mechanical impact.
Fire Extinguishing Media: Dry chemical, carbon dioxide, Halon, water spray, or fog. If water is used, apply from as far a distance as possible. Water spray may be used to keep fire exposed containers cool. Do not allow water runoff to enter sewers or waterways.
Special Information: In the event of a fire, wear full protective clothing and NIOSH-approved self-contained breathing apparatus with full face piece operated in the pressure demand or other positive pressure mode. At high temperatures under fire conditions, it may produce toxic or irritating fumes. Fire-extinguishing work is done from the windward and the suitable fire-extinguishing method according to the surrounding situation is used. Uninvolved persons should evacuate to a safe place.

6. Accidental Release Measures

Personal precautions, protective equipment, and emergency procedures: Avoid breathing dust/fumes/gas/mist/vapors/spray. Use individual protective equipment (waterproof boots, suitable protective clothing, safety glasses, etc.). Restrict unprotected personnel from the area. Prevent any contact with hot surfaces. Do not approach facing the wind. Do not touch the spilled material.
Environmental precautions: Do not let the product enter drains, soil, or water sources.
Methods and materials used for containment Cleanup procedures and Storage:
Small Spill: Use appropriate tools to put the spilled solid in a convenient waste disposal container.
Large Spill: Oxidizing material. Avoid contact with a combustible material (wood, paper, oil, clothing...). Keep substance damp using water spray. Do not inhale dust, vapors, mist, or gas. Avoid dust formation. Contain spilled material. Cover with an inert, non-combustible absorbent material, (e.g. sand, earth, diatomaceous earth, vermiculite). Use a shovel to put the material into a convenient waste disposal container. Finish cleaning by spreading water on the contaminated surface and allow to evacuate as per law.

7. Handling and Storage

Precautions for safe handling: Apply according to good manufacturing and industrial hygiene practices. Ensure proper ventilation. In case of insufficient ventilation, wear suitable respiratory equipment. Wash thoroughly after handling. Do not drink, eat, or smoke while handling. Avoid contact with skin, eyes, and clothing. Minimize dust generation. Avoid breathing dust/fumes/gas/mist/vapors/spray. Avoid contact with eyes, skin, and clothing. Keep container tightly closed. Avoid ingestion and inhalation. Use individual protective equipment (waterproof boots, suitable protective clothing, safety glasses, etc.). Prevent any contact with hot surfaces.
Conditions for safe storage, including any incompatibilities: Store in cool, dry, and ventilated area away from heat sources and protected from sunlight in tightly closed original container. Keep air contact to a minimum. Store protected from heat, sparks and ignition sources and incompatible materials. Avoid contact with skin and eyes. Avoid inhalation of dust/mist/vapor. Do not store with incompatible materials like strong oxidizing agents, ammonia, phosphites, carbonaceous materials, reducing agents, strong acids & alkalis. Isolate from any source of heat or ignition. Avoid storage on wood floors. Separate from organic or other readily oxidizable materials.

8. Exposure Controls/Personal Protection

Airborne Exposure Limits:
OSHA Permissible Exposure Limit (PEL): 0.01 mg/m3 (TWA) as silver metal dust.
ACGIH Threshold Limit Value (TLV): 0.01 mg /m3 (TWA) as soluble silver compounds.
NIOSH 0.01 mg/m3 TWA (as Ag) (listed under Silver soluble compounds).10 mg/m3 IDLH (as Ag) (listed under Silver soluble compounds).
Ventilation System: A system of local and/or general exhaust is recommended to keep employee exposures as low as possible. Local exhaust ventilation is generally preferred because it can control the emissions of the contaminant at its source, preventing dispersion of it into the general work area.
Personal Respirators (NIOSH Approved): For conditions of use where exposure to dust or mist is apparent and engineering controls are not feasible, a particulate respirator may be worn. For emergencies or instances where the exposure levels are not known, use a full-face positive-pressure, air-supplied respirator.
Skin Protection: Wear protective gloves and clean body-covering clothing.
Eye Protection: Use chemical safety goggles and/or full face shield where dusting or splashing of solutions is possible. Maintain eye wash fountain and quick-drench facilities in work area.
Other Control Measures: Maintain good housekeeping in work area. Dust deposits on floors and other surfaces may pick up moisture and cause the surfaces to become slippery and present safety hazards. Handle in accordance with good industrial hygiene and safety practice. Wash hands after handling.

9. Physical and Chemical Properties

Appearance: Silver Nitrate is white crystals.
Odor
: Odorless.
Odor threshold: Not available.
pH: 4-6.5 approximate.
Relative density: about 4.35
Boiling Point: 433C (811F)
Melting Point: 212C (414F)
Flash point: Not available.
Auto-ignition temperature: Not available.
Decomposition temperature: Not available.
Upper/lower flammability or explosive limits: Not available.
Vapor pressure: Not available.
Vapor density: Not available.
Evaporation rate: Not available.
Flammability (solid, gas): Not available.
Partition coefficient: n-octanol/water: Not available.
Solubility(ies): Soluble in water.
Viscosity: Not available.
Molecular Weight: 169.87
Molecular Formula: AgNO3

10. Stability and Reactivity

Stability: Stable under ordinary conditions of use and storage.
Hazardous Decomposition Products: Oxides of nitrogen and toxic metal fumes may form when heated to decomposition.
Hazardous Polymerization: Will not occur.
Incompatibilities: Ammonia, phosphites, organic compounds, carbonaceous materials, reducing agents, strong acids & alkalis, and many other substances.
Conditions to Avoid: Heat, flames, ignition sources and incompatibles.

11. Toxicological Information

Oral rat LD50: 1173 mg/kg; Oral mouse LD50: 50 mg/kg. Investigated as a mutagen, reproductive effector. Laboratory experiments have shown mutagenic effects.
Carcinogenic Effects: Not a reported carcinogen by IARC NTP ACGIH OSHA.

12. Ecological Information

Environmental Toxicity:
Toxicity to fish
mortality NOEC - Oncorhynchus mykiss (rainbow trout) - 0,108 mg/l - 96,0 h
mortality LOEC - Oncorhynchus mykiss (rainbow trout) - > 0,007 mg/l - 7,0 d
LC50 - Leuciscus idus (Golden orfe) - 0,029 mg/l - 96,0 h
LC50 - Oncorhynchus mykiss (rainbow trout) - 0,006 mg/l - 96,0 h
Persistence and Degradability: Unlikely to persist due to water solubility.
Mobility: Likely to be mobile due to water solubility.
Bioaccumulation/ Accumulation: No information available.
Results of PBT and vPvB assessment: No data available for assessment.

13. Disposal Considerations

Whatever cannot be saved for recovery or recycling should be handled as hazardous waste and sent to a RCRA approved waste facility. Processing use or contamination of this product may change the waste management options. Dispose of container and unused contents in accordance legal requirements.

14. Transport Information

DOT USA, TDG Canada & ADR/RID Europe
Proper Shipping Name: SILVER NITRATE
Hazard Class: 5.1
UN/NA: UN1493
Packing Group: II
IMDG/IMO & IATA/ICAO
Proper Shipping Name: SILVER NITRATE
Hazard Class: 5.1 (9.2)
UN/NA: UN1493
Packing Group: II

15. Regulatory Information

SARA Section 302 Extremely Hazardous Substances: None of the chemicals in this product have a TPQ.
SARA 311/312: Immediate, Delayed, Fire. See section 2.
Section 313: This material contains Silver nitrate (listed as Silver compounds), >99%, (CAS# 7761-88-8) which is subject to the reporting requirements of Section 313 of SARA Title III and 40 CFR Part 373.
California Prop 65: California No Significant Risk Level: The product is not listed.

Section 16. Other Information

European Labeling in Accordance with EC Directives:
H272 - May intensify fire; oxidizer
H302 - Harmful if swallowed
H315 - Causes skin irritation
H319 - Causes serious eye damage
H400 - Very toxic to aquatic life O = Oxidizing

Classification according to EU Directives 67/548/EEC or 1999/45/EC:
Hazard Symbols:
O Oxidizing.
Xn Harmful.
Xi Irritant.
N Dangerous for the environment.
Risk Phrases:
R8 Contact with combustible material may cause fire.
R22 Harmful if swallowed.
R34 Causes burns.
R38 Irritating to skin.
R41 Risk of serious damage to eyes.
R50 Very toxic to aquatic organisms.