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Argentous Carbonate: Unveiling the Chemistry of Ag₂CO₃

An in-depth exploration of Silver(I) Carbonate's synthesis, physicochemical properties, and diverse applications in modern chemistry.

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Introduction to Ag₂CO₃

Chemical Identity

Silver carbonate, represented by the chemical formula Ag₂CO₃, is an intriguing inorganic compound. While typically described as a yellow salt, samples often exhibit a grayish hue due to the presence of trace amounts of elemental silver. This compound is characteristic of many transition metal carbonates, demonstrating poor solubility in aqueous solutions.

Nomenclature & Composition

Formally known by its IUPAC name, Silver(I) carbonate, it is also historically referred to as Argentous carbonate. Its molecular structure comprises two silver(I) cations (Ag⁺) ionically bonded to a single carbonate anion (CO₃²⁻). The molar mass of this compound is precisely 275.75 grams per mole, a fundamental value for stoichiometric calculations.

Physicochemical Properties

Physical Characteristics

Silver carbonate presents as pale yellow crystals, a visual cue to its composition. It is an odorless compound, which is a significant factor in laboratory handling. Its density is measured at 6.077 grams per cubic centimeter, indicating a relatively dense solid. Notably, Ag₂CO₃ begins to decompose at temperatures as low as 120 °C, with a reported melting point of 218 °C, signifying its thermal instability.

Solubility Profile

The solubility of silver carbonate in water is notably low, increasing slightly with temperature:

  • 0.031 g/L at 15 °C
  • 0.032 g/L at 25 °C
  • 0.5 g/L at 100 °C

Its solubility product constant (Ksp) is 8.46 × 10⁻¹², further underscoring its limited aqueous solubility. Beyond water, it is also insoluble in common organic solvents such as ethanol, liquid ammonia, acetates, and acetone.

Structural & Thermal Data

The magnetic susceptibility (χ) of silver carbonate is −80.9 × 10⁻⁶ cm³/mol. This compound exhibits fascinating polymorphism, transitioning between different crystal structures depending on temperature:

Crystal Structures:

  • Monoclinic: Observed at 295 K (22 °C), with space group P2₁/m (No. 11) and point group 2/m. Lattice constants: a = 4.8521(2) Å, b = 9.5489(4) Å, c = 3.2536(1) Å; α = 90°, β = 91.9713(3)°, γ = 90°.
  • Trigonal (β-form): Forms at 453 K (180 °C), with space group P31c (No. 159) and point group 3m.
  • Hexagonal (α-form): Forms at 476 K (203 °C), with space group P62m (No. 189) and point group 6m2.

Thermochemical Properties:

  • Heat Capacity (C): 112.3 J/mol·K
  • Standard Molar Entropy (S°₂₉₈): 167.4 J/mol·K
  • Standard Enthalpy of Formation (ΔfH°₂₉₈): −505.8 kJ/mol
  • Gibbs Free Energy (ΔfG°): −436.8 kJ/mol

Synthesis & Preparation

Laboratory Preparation

Silver carbonate can be synthesized through a straightforward precipitation reaction. This involves combining aqueous solutions of sodium carbonate (Na₂CO₃) with a carefully controlled, *deficient* amount of silver nitrate (AgNO₃). The reaction proceeds as follows:

2 AgNO₃(aq) + Na₂CO₃(aq) → Ag₂CO₃(s) + 2 NaNO₃(aq)

Upon initial formation, freshly prepared silver carbonate is colorless. However, it rapidly transitions to its characteristic pale yellow appearance, a phenomenon attributed to its inherent chemical properties.

Chemical Reactivity

Reactions with Ammonia

When silver carbonate reacts with ammonia, it forms the diamminesilver(I) complex ion, [Ag(NH₃)₂]⁺. While this complex is useful in certain chemical contexts, it carries a significant safety concern. Similar to other diamminesilver(I) solutions, such as Tollen's reagent, there is a potential for the precipitation of explosive silver nitride (Ag₃N). Historically known as "fulminating silver," this compound is highly sensitive and dangerous. The IUPAC has since discontinued the term "fulminating silver" to avoid confusion with silver fulminate (AgCNO), another explosive silver compound.

Thermal Decomposition

Silver carbonate undergoes thermal decomposition, a process that begins at temperatures exceeding 120 °C. This decomposition proceeds in a two-step mechanism, ultimately yielding elemental silver:

  1. Initial decomposition to silver oxide and carbon dioxide:
    Ag₂CO₃ → Ag₂O + CO₂
  2. Further decomposition of silver oxide to elemental silver and oxygen:
    2 Ag₂O → 4 Ag + O₂

This thermal instability is a critical consideration for its storage and handling, particularly in high-temperature applications.

Acidic Reactions

Silver carbonate reacts with hydrofluoric acid (HF) to produce silver fluoride (AgF). This reaction exemplifies its behavior as a carbonate salt, where the carbonate anion is displaced by a stronger acid to form a new silver salt and carbonic acid (which then decomposes to water and carbon dioxide).

Industrial Applications

Silver Powder Production

The primary industrial application of silver carbonate lies in the production of high-purity silver powder, which is crucial for microelectronics. This process involves the reduction of silver carbonate using formaldehyde (CH₂O) as the reducing agent. The reaction is as follows:

Ag₂CO₃ + CH₂O → 2 Ag + 2 CO₂ + H₂

This method is particularly valued because it yields silver that is free from alkali metals, a critical requirement for sensitive electronic components where even trace impurities can compromise performance.

Organic Synthesis Reagent

Fétizon Oxidation

Silver carbonate, particularly when supported on Celite, serves as a versatile oxidizing agent in organic synthesis, famously employed in the Fétizon oxidation. This reagent facilitates several key transformations:

  • Oxidation of primary alcohols to aldehydes.
  • Conversion of secondary alcohols to ketones.
  • Transformation of diols into keto-alcohols.
  • Oxidation of hydroxymethyl compounds to ketones.

The use of Celite provides a large surface area, enhancing the efficiency and selectivity of these oxidative processes.

Alkyl Halide Transformations

In the Koenigs-Knorr reaction, silver carbonate plays a vital role in converting alkyl bromides into methyl ethers, a crucial step in carbohydrate synthesis. Furthermore, it is also utilized to transform alkyl bromides directly into their corresponding alcohols, offering a convenient synthetic pathway.

Catalysis & Base Properties

Beyond its oxidative capabilities, silver carbonate also functions as a base in various organic reactions. It has been successfully employed in the Wittig reaction, a fundamental method for synthesizing alkenes. Additionally, its utility extends to C-H bond activation, a challenging but highly valuable area of synthetic chemistry that allows for the functionalization of otherwise inert C-H bonds.

Safety & Handling

GHS Classification

According to the Globally Harmonized System (GHS) of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals, Silver Carbonate is classified with the following hazard indicators:

  • Pictograms: Corrosive (GHS05) and Environmental Hazard (GHS09).
  • Signal Word: Danger.
  • Hazard Statements:
    • H315: Causes skin irritation.
    • H319: Causes serious eye irritation.
    • H335: May cause respiratory irritation.
  • Precautionary Statements:
    • P261: Avoid breathing dust/fume/gas/mist/vapours/spray.
    • P305+P351+P338: IF IN EYES: Rinse continuously with water for several minutes. Remove contact lenses if present and easy to do. Continue rinsing.

Toxicity & NFPA Ratings

For occupational safety and health, it is important to note its inhalation hazards as an irritant. The median lethal dose (LD₅₀) for mice via oral administration is 3.73 g/kg.

The NFPA 704 fire diamond provides a quick visual summary of its hazards:

Health (Blue) Flammability (Red) Instability (Yellow) Special (White)
0 0 0 None

A rating of '0' across all categories indicates that under fire conditions, silver carbonate poses no hazard beyond that of ordinary combustible material, will not burn, and is normally stable and not reactive with water.

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References

References

  1.  Sigma-Aldrich Co., Silver carbonate. Retrieved on 2021-08-05.
  2.  J. Org. Chem., 2018, 83 (16), pp 9312–9321 https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.joc.8b01284.
A full list of references for this article are available at the Silver carbonate Wikipedia page

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