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Silver Acetate Formula: Properties, Uses, Structural

The chemical compound Silver Acetate is white, crystalline, and photosensitive, which means it responds to light. It is used in the medical field to manufacture antismoking medicines.
authorImageRanvijay Singh4 Oct, 2023
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Silver Acetate Formula

When acetic acid reacts with silver carbonate, Silver Acetate is formed CH 3 CO 2 Ag or AgC 2 H 3 O 2 . Silver Acetate can also be prepared by adding an acetate ion to aqueous silver nitrate. Physically, it appears as a white or greyish solid with a slightly acidic smell. Silver oxide is formed on heating, resulting in highly reflective, highly conductive silvered polymer films. Silver Acetate is a moderately water-soluble crystalline silver source that decomposes into silver oxide.

Properties Of Silver Acetate

Chemical formula C 2 H 3 AgO 2
Molecular weight 166.912 g/mol
Density 3.26 g/cm3, solid
Chemical names Silver(I) acetate, Silver monoacetate, silver (1+) salt, Silver ethanoate
Boiling point Decomposes at 220 °C

Chemical Properties of Silver Acetate

In the presence of catalysts such as nickel, palladium, or platinum, silver acetate reacts with molecular hydrogen (H2).

2CH 3 CO 2 Ag + H 2 ⇢ 2Ag + 2CH 3 CO 2 H

Silver acetate decomposes on heating to give acetone, carbon dioxide, oxygen, and silver metal.

2CH 3 CO 2 Ag ⇢ 2Ag + (CH 3 ) 2 CO + CO 2 + (1/2)O 2

Methyl acetate is formed when Silver acetate reacts with methyl bromide. The chemical reaction is shown below.

CH 3 COOAg + CH 3 Br ⇢ CH 3 COOCH 3 + AgBr

Also Check – Discovery of Proton Formula

Silver Acetate Structural Formula

When acetic acid reacts with silver carbonate at 45–60 °C, silver acetate precipitates when cooled to room temperature.

2CH 3 CO 2 H + 2Ag 2 CO 3 + 2AgO 2 CCH 3 + H 2 O + CO 2

Silver Acetate has the following structural formula.

Silver Acetate

Also Check – Electrophiles Formula

Silver Acetate Preparation

Water and carbon dioxide are also produced during the reaction between Acetic acid and Silver carbonate at 45-60°C.

2CH 3 CO 2 H + 2Ag 2 CO 3 + 2AgO 2 CCH 3 + H 2 O + CO 2

By reacting Silver Nitrate with Sodium Acetate solutions, Silver Acetate is prepared.

AgNO 3 + CH 3 COONa ⇢ CH 3 COOAg + NaNO 3

Also Read – Avogadros Law

Uses of Silver Acetate

Silver Acetate can be found in a variety of forms, including:

  • Anti-smoking medicines have been manufactured with Silver Acetate in the medical field.
  • Silver acetate is used to prepare reflective and conductive silver polymer films.
  • Acetate of silver can also be used as a pesticide.
  • Chewing gum also contains silver acetate
  • As a laboratory reagent, silver acetate is used.

Silver Acetate Formula FAQs

Q1. What is the chemical formula of silver acetate?

Ans. The chemical formula of silver acetate is AgC2H3O2.

Q2. What is the appearance of silver acetate?

Ans. Silver acetate is a white crystalline solid with a slightly sweet odor.

Q3. What is the primary use of silver acetate?

 Ans. Silver acetate is often used in organic synthesis as a reagent for various chemical reactions. It can also be used in the preparation of silver-based antiseptic solutions.

Q4. Is silver acetate toxic?

Ans. Silver acetate is generally considered toxic when ingested, inhaled, or when it comes into contact with the skin or eyes. It can cause irritation and health issues, especially in high concentrations.

Q5. Can silver acetate be used in photography like silver nitrate?

Ans. While silver nitrate is commonly used in photography, silver acetate is less common for photographic applications. Silver nitrate is more light-sensitive and thus preferred for photographic purposes, whereas silver acetate is primarily used in chemical reactions and some medical applications.
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