Silver oxide

Preparation

Silver(II) oxide is prepared by reacting silver nitrate with potassium persulfate in the presence of a base.

Purification Methods

Silver (II) oxide [1301-96-8] M 123.9, m > 1 0 0o(dec), 7.22. It is soluble in 40,000 parts of H2O, and should be protected from light. Stir it with an alkaline solution of potassium peroxysulfate (K2S2O8) at 85-90o. The black AgO is collected, washed free from sulfate with H2O made slightly alkaline and dried in air in the dark. [Hammer & Kleinberg Inorg Synth IV 12 1953.]

Physical Properties

Gray monoclinic or cubic crystals or powder; diamagnetic; semiconductor; density 7.48 g/cm3; decomposes to its elements above 100°C; insoluble in water (solubility 27 mg/L at 25°C); soluble in alkalis; decomposes in ammonia solution evolving nitrogen; dissolves in dilute acids with decomposition evolving oxygen; forms a brown solution in concentrated nitric acid, and forms intense green coloration in concentrated sulfuric acid.