Silver Nitrate and Sodium Chloride Precipitation

AgNO₃ + NaCl → AgCl + NaNO₃

Overview

Silver nitrate reacts with sodium chloride to form an insoluble white precipitate of silver chloride and soluble sodium nitrate. This is a classic precipitation reaction and the basis of the chloride ion test in analytical chemistry. The white precipitate turns purple in light due to photodecomposition.

Participants

Role	Substance	Coefficient	State
Reactant	Silver Nitrate AgNO₃	1	(aq)
Reactant	Sodium Chloride NaCl	1	(aq)
Product	Silver Chloride AgCl	1	(s)
Product	Sodium Nitrate NaNO₃	1	(aq)

Everyday Example

The silver chloride test for chloride ions in water analysis uses this reaction, producing a characteristic white curdy precipitate.

Industrial Importance

This reaction is used in water quality testing, photography (historical), and analytical chemistry. Silver chloride is also used in silver-chloride reference electrodes.

Properties

Type: Double Replacement
Reversible: No
Energy: Exothermic
ΔH: -65.5 kJ/mol

Related Reactions

Aluminum Hydroxide and Hydrochloric Acid Ammonia and Hydrochloric Acid (White Smoke) Barium Chloride and Sodium Sulfate Precipitation Calcium Carbonate and Hydrochloric Acid Calcium Chloride and Sodium Carbonate Calcium Hydroxide and Carbon Dioxide (Limewater Test) Calcium Hydroxide and Sulfuric Acid Copper(II) Sulfate and Sodium Hydroxide Iron(III) Chloride and Sodium Hydroxide Lead Nitrate and Potassium Iodide (Golden Rain)

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the equation for Silver Nitrate and Sodium Chloride Precipitation?

The balanced equation is: AgNO₃ + NaCl → AgCl + NaNO₃.

What type of reaction is Silver Nitrate and Sodium Chloride Precipitation?

Silver Nitrate and Sodium Chloride Precipitation is a double replacement reaction.

Is Silver Nitrate and Sodium Chloride Precipitation exothermic or endothermic?

Silver Nitrate and Sodium Chloride Precipitation is exothermic (releases energy). The enthalpy change (ΔH) is -65.5 kJ/mol.