Silver Nitrate
chemical formula: AgNO3
( powder/granular )
A popular demonstration using Silver Nitrate is the production of pure Silver metal. Clean Copper wire or rod suspended in a Silver Nitrate solution will produce a gleaming Silver tree if allowed to stand undisturbed. A solution of Silver Nitrate mixed with a solution of Sodium Chloride (table salt) will produce a precipitate of Silver Chloride, which turns purple on exposure to light. Contact with Magnesium powder should be avoided. Magnesium & Silver Nitrate Mixtures can explosively ignite without warning or on contact with the slightest amount of moisture.
Caution: Silver Nitrate is a powerful & corrosive oxidizer. Use normal safety precautions (wear a filter mask/respirator and gloves) when working with Silver Nitrate.
MSDS ( Material Safety Data Sheet )