Ezüstnitrát

Ezüstnitrát is the chemical compound with the formula AgNO3. It is a crystalline solid that is soluble in water. Pure ezüstnitrát is colorless, but samples can often appear gray or yellowish due to the presence of impurities or decomposition products. It is a key compound in the synthesis of other silver compounds and is widely used in photography and medicine.

Historically, ezüstnitrát played a crucial role in early photography as a light-sensitive agent. When exposed to light, it decomposes to form metallic silver, which creates the visible image. This property led to its widespread use in photographic plates and films before the advent of more modern digital technologies. In medicine, ezüstnitrát has antiseptic properties and has been used to treat warts, prevent eye infections in newborns, and cauterize wounds. However, its use in medicine has decreased with the development of safer and more effective alternatives.

Ezüstnitrát is also employed in various chemical applications. It is used as a reagent in laboratory analysis to detect the presence of halides like chloride, bromide, and iodide ions, forming precipitates of silver halides. It can also be used in the production of antimicrobial coatings and in some types of glass manufacturing. Due to its ability to stain skin and other organic materials a dark brown or black color upon exposure to light, care must be taken when handling ezüstnitrát.