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Silver(I) sulfide

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Identification
Molecular formula
Ag2S
CAS number
21548-73-2
IUPAC name
silver;silver;sulfanide
State
State

At room temperature, silver sulfide is solid. It is not affected by air or water, and it is insoluble in most solvents.

Melting point (Celsius)
825.00
Melting point (Kelvin)
1 098.00
Boiling point (Celsius)
1 105.00
Boiling point (Kelvin)
1 378.00
General information
Molecular weight
247.80g/mol
Molar mass
247.8000g/mol
Density
7.2340g/cm3
Appearence

Silver sulfide is a black solid, found naturally as the minerals acanthite and argentite. In its crystalline form, it adopts a monoclinic structure.

Comment on solubility

Solubility of Silver Sulfide

Silver sulfide (Ag2S) is a compound that exhibits particularly low solubility in water. This characteristic can be attributed to several factors:

  • Nature of the Compound: As a metal sulfide, silver sulfide has strong ionic bonds that are not easily broken by the polar water molecules.
  • Low Solubility Product: The solubility product constant (Ksp) for silver sulfide is exceptionally low, indicating that only trace amounts will dissolve in aqueous solutions.
  • pH Dependency: Like many metal sulfides, the solubility of Ag2S is affected by the pH of the solution. In acidic conditions, it can form soluble complexes, but in neutral to alkaline conditions, it remains largely insoluble.

As a result, it's often stated that silver sulfide is practically insoluble in water, making it a suitable choice for many applications where low reactivity is desired. In practical terms, this means:

  • Silver sulfide will precipitate out of solution as solid particles unless pH conditions are manipulated.
  • This low solubility affects its bioavailability in environmental studies and biological systems.

In summary, the solubility of silver sulfide is markedly low in water, with its solubility being influenced by various factors including the ionic nature of the compound and the surrounding pH.

Interesting facts

Interesting Facts about Silver Sulfanide

Silver sulfanide is an intriguing compound that not only boasts interesting chemical characteristics but also plays notable roles in various fields. Here are some compelling points about this compound:

  • Medical Applications: One of the most significant uses of silver sulfanide is in the medical field, particularly as an antimicrobial agent. It is often used in topical ointments for the treatment of burns and wounds to prevent infections.
  • Photographic Industry: Silver compounds, including silver sulfanide, have historically been vital in the photographic industry. They are used in the production of photographic films due to their light-sensitive properties.
  • Ion Release: Silver ions are known for their powerful antibacterial effects. Silver sulfanide can release these ions in a controlled manner, making it useful in various applications, particularly in wound healing.
  • Environmental Concerns: While silver compounds have useful properties, their use must be managed carefully. Concerns regarding toxicity to aquatic life and their accumulation in the environment have prompted further research into the safe use of silver sulfide compounds.

As scientists continue to explore the diverse applications and properties of silver sulfanide, it emphasizes the fascinating intersection of chemistry with medicine and environmental science.
Through further research, we will likely uncover even more about this versatile compound and its potential impacts.

Synonyms
Acanthite
Silver(I)Sulfide
MFCD00003406
silver;silver;sulfanide
UNII-9ZB10YHC1C
Silver Sulfide Micro Spheres
EINECS 244-438-2
PbZrO3-PbTiO3 (PZT) Sputtering Targets
Silver sulfide, 99.9% trace metals basis
Silver(I) sulfide, 99.9% (87% Ag)
IAEA-S-1 (sulfur isotopes in silver sulfide), NIST RM 8554
IAEA-S-2 (sulfur isotopes in silver sulfide), NIST RM 8555
IAEA-S-3 (sulfur isotopes in silver sulfide), NIST(R) RM8529
INFIQ?-R-ECO-QDs, Silver sulphide quantum dots, 800 nm absorption peak, 50 mg/ml in DMF