Silver nitrate, << NY trayt, >> is a chemical used in medicine and industry. It burns the skin and can cause severe poisoning or even death if swallowed. Doctors use silver nitrate to cauterize (burn) wounds to prevent bleeding or infection, and to remove warts. They use a mild solution of it to treat certain eye and skin diseases, and as an antiseptic.
The photographic industry uses silver nitrate in making film. Most silver salts used in film are manufactured from silver nitrate. For example, silver bromide photographic film is made from silver nitrate and a potassium bromide solution. Gelatin, a protein substance, is then added to the solution to form a substance called an emulsion that coats the film. Silver nitrate is also used to make mirrors and indelible ink, and in silver plating.
Silver can be purified by dissolving it in nitric acid and passing electricity through the silver nitrate solution. Pure silver forms at the cathode (negative electrode). Chemists use silver nitrate to help prepare other silver compounds and to identify chemicals in solution.
Manufacturers make silver nitrate by dissolving silver in nitric acid and then evaporating the solution. They sometimes melt silver nitrate and allow it to harden into a crystalline mass. Silver nitrate in this form is also known as lunar caustic. Silver nitrate dissolves easily in water.
