Silver Phosphate Formula, Structure, Properties, Uses

Silver Phosphate Formula: Silver Phosphate, also referred to as Silver Orthophosphate and with its IUPAC name as Silver(1)Phosphate, possesses a cubic crystal structure. This inorganic salt, denoted as Ag₃PO₄, comprises three silver cations (Ag⁺) and one phosphate anion. It is important to note that Silver Phosphate is not naturally occurring in the environment. It is synthesized within a laboratory setting through a reaction between Silver Nitrate and Orthophosphate salt. This compound takes the form of a yellow solid that is insoluble in water and is recognized for its antibacterial properties.

Furthermore, Silver Phosphate finds application as a therapeutic agent in the treatment of cancer patients. However, when subjected to combustion, Silver Phosphate emits toxic fumes, leading to eye irritation, respiratory ailments, skin irritation, and coughing.

Silver Phosphate Formula Structure

The structure of Silver(I) Phosphate is depicted below, consisting of three Silver Cations and one Phosphate Anion.

Silver Phosphate Formula Physical Properties

Color: Silver Phosphate presents as a solid with a yellow hue.

Odor: This compound is devoid of any discernible odor.

Molar Mass: The molar mass of Silver Phosphate is 419 g/mol.

Solubility: Silver Phosphate is insoluble in water but shows moderate solubility in dilute acetic acid. It is also soluble in dilute HNO₃, ammonia, thiosulphates, and ammonium carbonate.

Flammability: It is non-flammable and does not produce soot.

Density: The density of Silver Phosphate is 6.38 g/mL.

Melting Point: It exhibits a melting point of 848 degrees Celsius.

Silver Phosphate Formula Chemical Properties

Formation of Silver Pyrophosphate:

When silver nitrate is combined with phosphate ions at elevated temperatures, a condensation reaction occurs, resulting in the creation of silver pyrophosphate.

Reaction with Potassium Permanganate:

Silver Phosphate, when reacted with potassium permanganate, undergoes a double displacement and redox reaction, yielding silver permanganate and tribasic potassium phosphate as products.

Ag₃PO₄ + 3KMnO₄ → 3AgMnO₄ + K₃PO₄

Reaction with Nitric Acid:

When Silver Phosphate interacts with nitric acid, it transforms into silver nitrate and phosphoric acid.

HNO₃ + Ag₃PO₄ → H₃PO₄ + AgNO₃

Reaction with Ammonium Hydroxide:

Silver Phosphate, when reacted with ammonium hydroxide, forms diamine silver phosphate and water in the reaction.

Ag₃PO₄ + 6(NH₃·H₂O) → [Ag(NH₃)₂]3PO₄ + 6H₂O

These chemical reactions illustrate the versatile behavior of Silver Phosphate when exposed to various reagents, resulting in the formation of different compounds with distinct properties.

Preparation of Silver Phosphate

Silver Phosphate can be obtained through various methods, primarily involving the reaction of silver nitrate with different phosphate-containing compounds. The resulting product is Silver Phosphate, characterized by its insolubility in water and its purity as a yellow solid.

Reaction with Sodium Orthophosphate:

When silver nitrate (AgNO₃) reacts with sodium orthophosphate (Na₃PO₄), Silver Phosphate is formed, accompanied by the production of sodium nitrate (NaNO₃).

AgNO₃ + Na₃PO₄ → Ag₃PO₄ (S) + 3NaNO₃

Reaction with Potassium Orthophosphate:

The synthesis of Silver Phosphate can also be achieved by reacting silver nitrate (AgNO3) with tripotassium phosphate (K₃PO₄), leading to the formation of Silver Phosphate and potassium nitrate (KNO₃).

K₃PO₄ + 3AgNO₃ → Ag₃PO₄ + 3KNO₃

Reaction with Phosphoric Acid:

Another method for the preparation of Silver Phosphate involves the reaction between silver nitrate (AgNO₃) and phosphoric acid (H₃PO₄), resulting in the formation of Silver Phosphate and nitric acid (HNO₃).

H₃PO₄ + 3AgNO₃ → Ag₃PO₄ + 3HNO₃

Reaction with Lead Phosphate:

Silver Phosphate can also be synthesized by reacting silver nitrate (AgNO₃) with lead phosphate (Pb₃(PO₄)₂), yielding Silver Phosphate and lead nitrate (Pb(NO₃)₂).

Pb₃(PO₄)₂ + AgNO₃ → Ag₃PO₄ + Pb(NO₃)₂

These reactions are efficient methods for producing Silver Phosphate, which can then be collected as a pure yellow solid by filtration.

Harmful Effects of Silver Phosphate

Inhalation Hazards: When burned, Silver Phosphate emits toxic fumes that can lead to eye irritation, respiratory ailments, and coughing.

Skin Irritation: Direct contact with Silver Phosphate can cause skin irritation.

It is essential to handle Silver Phosphate with care and take necessary precautions to mitigate these adverse effects, especially in situations where it may be subjected to high temperatures or close human contact.

Uses of Silver Phosphate

Antibacterial Agent: Silver Phosphate is used in various materials due to its antibacterial properties, making it valuable for applications requiring antimicrobial properties.

Catalyst: It serves as a catalyst in chemical reactions, facilitating and accelerating these processes.

Anti-Inflammatory Agent: It is used as an anti-inflammatory substance, contributing to its medical applications.

Anticancer Activity: Silver Phosphate exhibits anticancer properties and is harnessed as a therapeutic drug in the treatment of cancer.

Silver Staining: It is used for silver staining of biological materials, aiding in the visualization and analysis of various biological samples.

Medical and Pesticidal Uses: Silver Phosphate finds utility in the medical field and is used in the formulation of pesticides.

Photography: In the realm of photography, it is used as an emulsion because of its light sensitivity, contributing to photographic processes.

Phosphate Concentration Determination: Silver Phosphate is utilized in analytical chemistry to assess the concentration of phosphate ions in solutions.