How Is Silver Acetate Prepared In The Laboratory?

Silver acetate (AgC2H3O2) can be prepared in the laboratory by reacting silver nitrate (AgNO3) with acetic acid (CH3COOH) or sodium acetate (NaC2H3O2). Here are two common methods for its preparation:

Method 1:

1. Dissolve 4.17 grams of silver nitrate in 20 mL of distilled water.

2. In a separate container, dissolve 3.00 grams of sodium acetate in 10 mL of distilled water.

3. Slowly add the sodium acetate solution to the silver nitrate solution while stirring continuously.

4. A white precipitate of silver acetate will form.

5. Filter the mixture using a Buchner funnel and wash the precipitate with cold distilled water.

6. Dry the silver acetate in a desiccator over anhydrous calcium chloride.

Method 2:

1. Add 12.5 mL of glacial acetic acid to a 100 mL round-bottom flask fitted with a reflux condenser.

2. Heat the flask on a steam bath or hot plate until the acetic acid boils.

3. Add 3.60 grams of silver nitrate to the hot acetic acid and stir the mixture until the silver nitrate dissolves.

4. Remove the heat source and let the mixture cool.

5. Crystals of silver acetate will form as the mixture cools.

6. Collect the crystals by filtration and wash them with cold distilled water.

7. Dry the silver acetate in a desiccator over anhydrous calcium chloride.

Both methods produce pure silver acetate, but method 1 uses sodium acetate as a starting material instead of acetic acid, which may be more convenient in some cases. It's important to note that silver acetate is sensitive to light and air, so it should be stored in a dark, airtight container.