What Are The Properties Of Silver Bromate?
Silver bromate is an ionic compound composed of one silver cation (Ag+) and one bromate anion (BrO3-). Its properties can be categorized as physical, chemical, and toxicological.
Physical Properties:
- Silver bromate appears as a white crystalline solid.
- It has a molecular weight of 235.78 g/mol.
- The melting point of silver bromate is around 432 °C (809 °F).
- It is sparingly soluble in water, with a solubility of around 0.2 g/100 mL at room temperature.
- It is insoluble in organic solvents like ethanol and acetone.
Chemical Properties:
- Silver bromate is a strong oxidizing agent and can easily react with reducing agents, such as sulfur dioxide and sulfites, to form bromine gas.
- When heated, it decomposes to form silver oxide and oxygen gas.
- It can be reduced to silver metal by reaction with certain reducing agents, such as iron(II) ions or hydroxylamine.
Toxicological Properties:
- Silver bromate is harmful if ingested or inhaled and can cause irritation to the skin and eyes.
- It is also a potential carcinogen and mutagen.
Overall, silver bromate is a highly reactive and potentially dangerous substance that should be handled with care.