No, AgBr (silver bromide) is insoluble in water. It has extremely low solubility in water, making it practically insoluble with only a negligible amount dissolving at room temperature. 1
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Key Takeaways: Is AgBr Soluble in Water?
- AgBr (silver bromide) is insoluble in water due to the strong forces of attraction between the silver ions (Ag+) and bromide ions (Br-) in the crystal lattice.
- Water molecules are unable to effectively separate the silver and bromide ions due to the strength of these ionic bonds.
- While AgBr is generally insoluble in most solvents, it exhibits limited solubility in specific solvents like ammonia under certain conditions.
Why is AgBr insoluble in water?
AgBr (silver bromide) is insoluble in water due to the strong forces of attraction between the silver ions (Ag+) and bromide ions (Br-) in the crystal lattice. These forces, known as ionic bonds, are stronger than the forces of hydration, preventing the compound from dissolving easily in water. 2
In more detail, AgBr has a lattice structure where each silver ion is surrounded by six bromide ions, and each bromide ion is surrounded by six silver ions. 3 The ionic bonds holding these ions together are highly stable and require a significant amount of energy to break.
When AgBr is introduced to water, the water molecules are not able to effectively separate the silver and bromide ions due to the strength of these ionic bonds. As a result, AgBr remains insoluble in water.
While AgBr is insoluble in pure water, it can undergo some dissolution when in contact with certain solvents or under specific conditions.
For example, in the presence of certain complexing agents or high concentrations of bromide ions, the solubility of AgBr can be increased. 4 Additionally, the solubility can also be affected by factors such as temperature and pH of the solution. 5
Overall, AgBr’s insolubility in water is primarily due to the strong ionic bonds in its crystal structure, which prevent easy separation of the silver and bromide ions by water molecules.
Can AgBr dissolve in other solvents?
AgBr (silver bromide) is considered insoluble in most solvents, including organic solvents. However, it does exhibit some solubility in specific solvents such as ammonia (NH3). 6
AgBr’s insolubility in most solvents is attributed to the strong ionic bonds holding the silver and bromide ions together in its crystal lattice. These bonds are difficult to break and separate in non-aqueous solvents. However, in the case of ammonia, the complex formation disrupts the crystal lattice, allowing for some dissolution of AgBr.
While the solubility of AgBr in ammonia is not as high as in water, it serves as an exception among other solvents. It’s important to note that the solubility may still be relatively limited, and the specific conditions and concentrations can affect the extent of dissolution.
Further reading
Why is KBr (Potassium Bromide) Soluble in Water?
Why is K2SO4 (Potassium Sulfate) Soluble in Water?
Is AgCl Soluble in Water?
Why is NaNO3 (Sodium Nitrate) Soluble in Water?
Why is NH4Br Soluble in Water?
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References
- Silver bromide – Wikipedia. (2023, January 20). Silver Bromide – Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Silver_bromide
- Ionic Bond vs. Hydrogen Bonding – CHEMISTRY COMMUNITY. (n.d.). Ionic Bond Vs. Hydrogen Bonding – CHEMISTRY COMMUNITY. https://lavelle.chem.ucla.edu/forum/viewtopic.php?t=67497
- Crystal – Bonds, Structure, Lattice. (n.d.). Encyclopedia Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/science/crystal
- 16.5: Complex Ions and Solubility. (2015, December 27). Chemistry LibreTexts. https://chem.libretexts.org/Bookshelves/General_Chemistry/Map%3A_Principles_of_Modern_Chemistry_(Oxtoby_et_al.)/Unit_4%3A_Equilibrium_in_Chemical_Reactions/16%3A_Solubility_and_Precipitation_Equilibria/16.5%3A_Complex_Ions_and_Solubility
- Solubility. (n.d.). Solubility. https://www.chem.fsu.edu/chemlab/chm1046course/solubility.html
- Halide Ions (Cl−, Br−, I−). (2018, April 3). Chemistry LibreTexts. https://chem.libretexts.org/Bookshelves/Analytical_Chemistry/Supplemental_Modules_(Analytical_Chemistry)/Qualitative_Analysis/Properties_of_Select_Nonmetal_Ions/Halide_Ions_(Cl%E2%81%BB%2C_Br%E2%81%BB%2C_I%E2%81%BB)
