Silver Nitrate

1Identification

Name

Silver Nitrate

IUPAC name

silver nitrate

CAS number

7761-88-8

EC number

231-853-9

Molecular formula

AgNO3

Molecular weight

169.873 g/mol

InChIKey

SQGYOTSLMSWVJD-UHFFFAOYSA-N

SMILES

[N+](=O)([O-])[O-].[Ag+]

PubChem CID

24470

Synonyms

SILVER NITRATE, Argenti nitras, Lunar caustic, Nitrate d'argent, Silver mononitrate, Silver(1+) nitrate, Silbernitrat, Nitric acid silver(I) salt, AgNO3, Argerol, Nitric acid silver(1+) salt, Nitrato de plata, Silver nitrate(DOT), Argentum nitricum

Recommended uses

• Used as a chemical intermediate, catalyst, disinfectant, and laboratory reagent; Used in photography and in the manufacturing of mirrors, inks, and pharmaceuticals; Used to cauterize wounds, dye hair, and color porcelain; [HSDB]
  Haz-Map, Information on Hazardous Chemicals and Occupational Diseases
• Using Disinfectants or Biocides [Category: Clean] Photographic Processing [Category: Other] Dressing Hair [Category: Other] Glass Manufacturing [Category: Industry]
  Haz-Map, Information on Hazardous Chemicals and Occupational Diseases
• Glassblowing [Category: Hobbies]
  Haz-Map, Information on Hazardous Chemicals and Occupational Diseases
• Deodorizer Other Intermediate Photosensitive agent Photosensitizers Solids separation (precipitating) agent, not otherwise specified
  EPA Chemical Data Reporting (CDR)
• Ion exchange agent Solids separation (precipitating) agent, not otherwise specified
  EPA Chemical Data Reporting (CDR)

Use categories: Cosmetics -> Hair dyeing

Description

• Silver nitrate appears as a colorless or white crystalline solid becoming black on exposure to light or organic material.
  CAMEO Chemicals
• Silver(1+) nitrate is a silver salt and an inorganic nitrate salt. It has a role as a NMR chemical shift reference compound and an astringent.
  ChEBI
• Silver nitrate is an inorganic compound with the chemical formula AgNO3. In its solid form, silver nitrate is coordinated in a trigonal planar arrangement. It is often used as a precursor to other silver-containing compounds. It is used in making photographic films, and in laboratory setting as a staining agent in protein visualization in PAGE gels and in scanning electron microscopy.
  DrugBank

2Hazard identification

Signal word

Danger

Pictograms

GHS03, GHS05, GHS09

Classification source

Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008 of the European Parliament and of the Council

Precautionary statements

Other reported classifications

6 classification records exist across sources. Differences usually reflect purity, physical form or impurities.

Health hazards

• Concentrated solutions will produce irritation, ulceration, and discoloration of the skin; also causes severe irritation of the eyes. Ingestion will produce violent abdominal pain and other gastroenteric symptoms. (USCG, 1999)
  CAMEO Chemicals
• · Inhalation, ingestion or contact (skin, eyes) with vapors or substance may cause severe injury, burns or death. · Fire may produce irritating, corrosive and/or toxic gases. · Runoff from fire control or dilution water may cause environmental contamination.
  Emergency Response Guidebook (ERG)

Fire hazards

• Behavior in Fire: Increases flammability of combustibles. (USCG, 1999)
  CAMEO Chemicals
• CAUTION: Ammonium nitrate products may explode if involved in fire or contaminated with hydrocarbons (fuels), organic matter, other contaminants or when hot molten and contained. Treat as an explosive (GUIDE 112). · These substances will accelerate burning when involved in a fire. · Some may decompose explosively when heated or involved in a fire. · May explode from heat or contamination. · Some will react explosively with hydrocarbons (fuels). · May ignite combustibles (wood, paper, oil, clothing, etc.). · Containers may explode when heated. · Runoff may create fire or explosion hazard.
  Emergency Response Guidebook (ERG)
• Not combustible but enhances combustion of other substances. Gives off irritating or toxic fumes (or gases) in a fire. Many reactions may cause fire or explosion. See Chemical dangers
  ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)

Hazards summary

• Concentrated solutions can cause burns of the skin and eyes. A generalized argryia (silver discoloration of the skin and other organs) was reported in the past among workers heavily exposed to AgNo3 in manufacturing and photography. Methemoglobinemia was reported in the past after treatment of burn patients with 0.5% silver nitrate. [HSDB] Silver nitrate, used in burn therapy, is a reported inducer of methemoglobinemia. [ATSDR Case Studies, # 16] Used extensively in dressings soaked with 0.5% AgNO3 with no apparent toxicity; [Nordberg, p. 1212] See NITRATES and NITRITES.
  Haz-Map, Information on Hazardous Chemicals and Occupational Diseases
• The major hazards encountered in the use and handling of silver nitrate stem from its toxicologic properties. Toxic by all routes (ie, inhalation, ingestion, and dermal contact), exposure to this odorless, colorless-to-white, crystalline substance may occur from its use in silver-plating, in photography, in the manufacture of inks, paints, pigments, and dyes, as an analytical reagent and as an antiseptic. Effects from exposure may include contact burns to the skin, eyes, and mucous membranes, argyria (a blue-gray discoloration of skin), mild chronic bronchitis, and death from large ingested doses. The OSHA PEL is set at a TWA of 0.01 mg/cu m.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

3Composition / information on ingredients

This page describes the pure substance. Commercial products may be solutions or mixtures. Check Section 3 of your supplier's SDS for concentrations and other ingredients.

4First-aid measures

• Excerpt from ERG Guide 140 [Oxidizers]: Refer to the "General First Aid" section. Specific First Aid: Contaminated clothing may be a fire risk when dry. (ERG, 2024)
  CAMEO Chemicals
• General First Aid: · Call 911 or emergency medical service. · Ensure that medical personnel are aware of the material(s) involved, take precautions to protect themselves and avoid contamination. · Move victim to fresh air if it can be done safely. · Administer oxygen if breathing is difficult. · If victim is not breathing: -- DO NOT perform mouth-to-mouth resuscitation; the victim may have ingested or inhaled the substance. -- If equipped and pulse detected, wash face and mouth, then give artificial respiration using a proper respiratory medical device (bag-valve mask, pocket mask equipped with a one-way valve or other device).
  Emergency Response Guidebook (ERG)

Symptoms of exposure

• Sore throat. Cough. Burning sensation behind the breastbone. Shortness of breath. Laboured breathing. Headache. Fatigue. Weakness.
  ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)
• Redness. Pain. Serious skin burns. Blisters.
  ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)
• Redness. Pain. Severe burns. Loss of vision.
  ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)

5Fire-fighting measures

• If material on fire or involved in a fire: Flood with water. Cool all affected containers with flooding quantities of water. Apply water from as far away as possible.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• Evacuation: If fire becomes uncontrollable consider evacuation of one-half (1/2) mile radius.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

Hazardous combustion products

• Toxic oxides of nitrogen are produced in fires involving silver nitrate.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

6Accidental release measures

Isolation and evacuation

• Excerpt from ERG Guide 140 [Oxidizers]: IMMEDIATE PRECAUTIONARY MEASURE: Isolate spill or leak area in all directions for at least 50 meters (150 feet) for liquids and at least 25 meters (75 feet) for solids. LARGE SPILL: Consider initial downwind evacuation for at least 100 meters (330 feet). FIRE: If tank, rail tank car or highway tank is involved in a fire, ISOLATE for 800 meters (1/2 mile) in all directions; also, consider initial evacuation for 800 meters (1/2 mile) in all directions. If ammonium nitrate products are in a tank, rail car or truck and involved in a fire, ISOLATE for 1600 meters (1 mile) in all directions;
  CAMEO Chemicals
• Immediate precautionary measure · Isolate spill or leak area in all directions for at least 50 meters (150 feet) for liquids and at least 25 meters (75 feet) for solids. Large Spill · Consider initial downwind evacuation for at least 100 meters (330 feet). Fire · If tank, rail tank car or highway tank is involved in a fire, ISOLATE for 800 meters (1/2 mile) in all directions; also, consider initial evacuation for 800 meters (1/2 mile) in all directions. · If ammonium nitrate products are in a tank, rail car or truck and involved in a fire, ISOLATE for 1600 meters (1 mile) in all directions; also, initiate evacuation including emergency responders for 1600 meters (1 mile) in all directions.
  Emergency Response Guidebook (ERG)

Spill cleanup

• Personal protection: complete protective clothing including self-contained breathing apparatus. Do NOT let this chemical enter the environment. Sweep spilled substance into covered sealable containers. If appropriate, moisten first to prevent dusting. Wash away remainder with plenty of water. Do NOT absorb in saw-dust or other combustible absorbents. Then store and dispose of according to local regulations.
  ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)
• Environmental considerations: Water spill: If dissolved, apply sodium sulfide soln to precipitate heavy metals. Neutralize with agricultural lime (CaO), crushed limestone (CaCO3), or sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO3). Use mechanical dredges or lifts to remove immobilized masses of pollutants and precipitates.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• Environmental considerations: Land Spill: Dig a pit, pond, lagoon, or holding area to contain liquid or solid material. /SRP: If time permits, pits, ponds, lagoons, soak holes, or holding areas should be sealed with an impermeable flexible membrane liner./ Cover solids with a plastic sheet to prevent dissolving in rain or fire fighting water.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

7Handling and storage

• Separated from combustible substances, reducing agents and incompatible materials. See Chemical Dangers. Well closed. Store only in original container. Store in an area without drain or sewer access. Provision to contain effluent from fire extinguishing.
  ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)
• ... Protect from light and store in inert, collapsible containers or in other suitable single-dose containers at 15-30 °C; freezing of the ophthalmic soln should be avoided and the soln should not be used when cold.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

8Exposure controls / personal protection

Personal protective equipment

• Goggles or face shield; rubber gloves. (USCG, 1999)
  CAMEO Chemicals
• Personnal protection should include wearing ... protective clothing to avoid skin contact, as well as chem safwty goggles for protection of eyes. Respirator should be worn in order to prvent excessive inhalation of dust or mist of silver nitrate.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

9Physical and chemical properties

10Stability and reactivity

Reactivity

• SILVER NITRATE is noncombustible but, as an oxidizing agent, can accelerate the burning of combustible materials. If large quantities are involved in a fire or the combustible material is finely divided, an explosion may result. Prolonged exposure to fire or heat may result in an explosion. Light sensitive. Mixtures with alkyl esters may explode owing to the formation of alkyl nitrates. Mixtures with phosphorus, tin(II) chloride, or other reducing agents may react explosively [Bretherick 1979 p. 108-109]. Reacts with acetylene in the presence of ammonia to form silver acetylide, a powerful detonator when dry [Bretherick 1979 p. 198].
  CAMEO Chemicals
• Water soluble.
  CAMEO Chemicals

Incompatible materials and hazardous reactions

• Silver nitrate (or other soluble salt) reacts with acetylene in presence of ammonia to form silver acetylide, a sensitive and powerful detonator when dry. In the absence of ammonia, or when calcium acetylide is added to a silver nitrate soln, explosive double salts of silver acetylide and silver nitrate are produced. Mercurous acetylide precipitates silver acetylide from aqueous nitrate.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• Interaction /between silver nitrate and chlorosulfonic acid/ is violent, /with/ nitrosulfonic acid being formed.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• An intimate mixture of dry powdered magnesium and silver nitrate may ignite explosively on contact with a drop of water.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

Chemical stability

• Light sensitive.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

11Toxicological information

Short-term exposure effects

• The substance is corrosive to the eyes, skin and respiratory tract. Corrosive on ingestion. The substance may cause effects on the blood. This may result in the formation of methaemoglobin. The effects may be delayed. Medical observation is indicated.
  ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)

Long-term exposure effects

• The substance may have effects on the blood. This may result in the formation of methaemoglobin. The substance may cause a grey-blue discolouration of the eyes and skin (argyria/argyrosis). Animal tests show that this substance possibly causes toxicity to human reproduction or development.
  ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)

12Ecological information

Not available in the public sources we compile. Check Section 12 of the supplier's SDS.

13Disposal considerations

• SRP: At the time of review, criteria for land treatment or burial (sanitary landfill) disposal practices are subject to significant revision. Prior to implementing land disposal of waste residue (including waste sludge), consult with environmental regulatory agencies for guidance on acceptable disposal practices.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• Precipitation is the preferred treatment process for removing toxic heavy metals from electroplating waters. Precipitation processes include hydroxide, lime and/or sulfide treatment. Chemical reduction is used to treat complex metals such as nickel, copper, hexavalent chromium waste, soluble lead, silver, metal containing cyanide, and mercury. Adsorption has shown potential for treating and polishing aqueous metal bearing wastes. Activated carbon, activated alumina, and iron filings are all applicable adsorbents. Alkaline chlorination and incineration are effective cyanide destruction treatments.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

14Transport information

UN number: UN 1493

Shipping name

• UN 1493; Silver nitrate
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• IMO 5.1; Silver nitrate
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

DOT hazard class

• Silver nitrate
  US Code of Federal Regulations, Hazardous Materials, 49 CFR Part 172
• UN1493
  US Code of Federal Regulations, Hazardous Materials, 49 CFR Part 172
• Div 5.1 Oxidizer (49 eCFR § 173.127)
  US Code of Federal Regulations, Hazardous Materials, 49 CFR Part 172

DOT label

• Oxidizer
  CAMEO Chemicals

UN classification

• UN Hazard Class: 5.1; UN Pack Group: II
  ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)

Emergency Response Guidebook

• 1493 140
  Emergency Response Guidebook (ERG)

How DOT hazard classes work →

15Regulatory information

• As the federal pesticide law FIFRA directs, EPA is conducting a comprehensive review of older pesticides to consider their health and environmental effects and make decisions about their future use. Under this pesticide reregistration program, EPA examines health and safety data for pesticide active ingredients initially registered before November 1, 1984, and determines whether they are eligible for reregistration. In addition, all pesticides must meet the new safety standard of the Food Quality Protection Act of 1996.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• Silver nitrate is designated as a hazardous substance under section 311(b)(2)(A) of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act and further regulated by the Clean Water Act Amendments of 1977 and 1978. These regulations apply to discharges of this substance. This designation includes any isomers and hydrates, as well as any solutions and mixtures containing this substance.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• Toxic pollutant designated pursuant to section 307(a)(1) of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act and is subject to effluent limitations. /Silver and compounds/
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• Persons in charge of vessels or facilities are required to notify the National Response Center (NRC) immediately, when there is a release of this designated hazardous substance, in an amount equal to or greater than its reportable quantity of 1 lb or 0.454 kg. The toll free number of the NRC is (800) 424-8802; In the Washington D.C. metropolitan area (202) 426-2675. The rule for determining when notification is required is stated in 40 CFR 302.4 (section IV. D.3.b).
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• D011; A solid waste containing silver may or may not become characterized as a hazardous waste when subjected to the Toxicity Characteristic Leaching Procedure listed in 40 CFR 261.24, and if so characterized, must be managed as a hazardous waste. /Silver/
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

Overview of SDS regulations (OSHA HazCom, WHMIS, REACH/CLP) →

16Other information

Compiled from PubChem CID 24470 and the sources it aggregates (attributed inline). Data retrieved 2026-10-12. This summary describes the pure substance and is not a supplier SDS.