silverion

Silver ion refers to the monovalent cation of silver, Ag+. It is produced when metallic silver is oxidized or when soluble silver salts dissolve in water. In aqueous solution, Ag+ forms coordination complexes with ligands such as H2O, Cl−, NH3, and thiosulfate, and its chemistry is central to the solubility and reactivity of silver salts. In many solid compounds, silver exists as Ag+ in the lattice when silver is in higher oxidation states.

Silver salts vary in solubility; for example, AgNO3 is highly soluble, whereas AgCl and Ag2S are poorly soluble, which affects silver ion availability. The silver ion is a relatively soft, highly reactive cation that can interact with biological thiol groups in proteins, disrupt enzymes, and damage cellular membranes, contributing to its antimicrobial properties. Silver ions are widely used in medical and consumer products to reduce microbial growth, including wound dressings, coatings on medical devices, and water purification systems. In catalysis, Ag+ centers participate in oxidation reactions and other transformations.

Environmental and health considerations include toxicity to aquatic organisms at low concentrations and the potential for argyria, a permanent blue-gray discoloration of the skin, with chronic exposure in humans. Safe handling and proper disposal of silver salts and devices that release Ag+ are advised, and regulatory guidelines vary by country.