How Is Silver Chromate Synthesized?

Silver chromate can be synthesized by mixing aqueous solutions of silver nitrate (AgNO3) and potassium chromate (K2CrO4) or sodium chromate (Na2CrO4). The reaction can be represented as follows:

AgNO3 + K2CrO4 → Ag2CrO4 + 2KNO3

or

AgNO3 + Na2CrO4 → Ag2CrO4 + 2NaNO3

The silver chromate precipitates out of solution as a yellowish solid. It is important to note that both silver nitrate and potassium/sodium chromate are toxic and should be handled with care.

The synthesis of silver chromate can also be performed by adding a soluble silver salt, such as silver nitrate, to a solution containing a soluble chromate or dichromate salt in the presence of an alkali metal hydroxide, such as potassium hydroxide or sodium hydroxide. This results in the formation of a gelatinous precipitate of silver chromate. The reaction can be represented as follows:

AgNO3 + K2CrO4 + 2KOH → Ag2CrO4↓ + 2KNO3 + 2H2O

or

AgNO3 + Na2CrO4 + 2NaOH → Ag2CrO4↓ + 2NaNO3 + 2H2O

After synthesis, silver chromate can be purified by washing it with water to remove any unreacted reagents and then drying it in air.