Silver chloride is a white crystalline solid that is well known for its low solubility in water and its sensitivity to light. Upon illumination or heating, silver chloride converts to silver (and chlorine), which is signaled by grey to black or purplish coloration in some samples. Silver chloride occurs naturally as the mineral chlorargyrite.

Structure

Silver chloride adopts the fcc NaCl structure, in which each Ag+ ion is surrounded by an octahedron of six chloride ligands. AgF and AgBr crystallize similarly. However, the crystallography depends on the condition of crystallization, primarily free silver ion concentration.

Solubility

An ionic compound's lattice energy and hydration energy determine how soluble it is. Compare the two energies for a given substance to determine solubility. If and only if the compound's lattice energy is lower than its hydration energy, it will dissolve in water. So, is AgCl soluble in water?

The lattice energy and hydration energy of a molecule can be used to explain its solubility. The attraction between the Silver chloride molecule and itself is stronger in this instance than the attraction between Silver chloride and water. The lattice enthalpy of its ions cannot be overcome by the hydration enthalpy of the aq. So that AgCl is not soluble in water.

Uses

Silver chloride is produced by a metathesis reaction for use in photography and pH meters as electrodes.

The most effective form of water-activated battery uses magnesium as the anode and silver chloride as the positive electrode.

Used in electroplating and polishing mirrors and in making alloys.

Used as an antidote that reacts with the poison to produce a harmless chemical compound.

Used in medicines and silver salts are used in photographic films.