Hõbenitraat

Hõbenitraat, also known by its chemical formula AgNO3, is an inorganic compound that appears as a colorless crystalline solid. It is highly soluble in water, and also dissolves in alcohol and ammonia. Hõbenitraat is the most important inorganic silver salt in terms of industrial and commercial use.

Historically, hõbenitraat has played a significant role in photography. Its sensitivity to light, when coated onto materials like paper or film, allows for the capture of images through chemical reactions. This property was the cornerstone of early photographic processes.

In medicine, hõbenitraat has been used for its antiseptic and astringent properties. It was once a common treatment for eye infections in newborns and as a topical agent for wound care and the removal of warts. However, its use in medicine has largely been superseded by more modern and safer alternatives due to potential side effects like argyria, a permanent bluish-gray discoloration of the skin.

Industrially, hõbenitraat finds application in various fields. It is used in the manufacturing of other silver compounds, in electroplating to produce silver coatings, and as a reagent in chemical analysis. It can also be used as a catalyst in certain chemical reactions. When exposed to light, hõbenitraat darkens and can decompose, a characteristic that needs to be considered during its storage and handling.