In solid silver nitrate, the silver ions are three-coordinated in a trigonal planar arrangement
Silver nitrate can be prepared by reacting silver, such as a silver bullion or silver foil, with nitric acid, resulting in silver nitrate, water, and oxides of nitrogen. Reaction byproducts depend upon the concentration of nitric acid used.
- 3 Ag + 4 HNO
3(cold and diluted) → 3 AgNO
3 + 2 H
2O+ NO - Ag + 2 HNO
3(hot and concentrated) → AgNO
3 + H
2O + NO
2
This is performed under a fume hood because of toxic nitrogen oxide(s) evolved during the reaction.