Silver oxide
Agent Name
Silver oxide
CAS Number
20667-12-3
Formula
Ag2-O
Major Category
Metals
Synonyms
Argentous oxide; Disilver oxide; Silver(I) oxide; Silver(1+) oxide; [ChemIDplus] UN3085
Category
Metals, Inorganic Compounds
Description
Brownish-black odorless solid; [Merck Index] Dark brown odorless powder; Insoluble in water (0.017 g/L); [Aldrich MSDS]
Sources/Uses
Used as a catalyst, in water treatment, and in the glass industry; Also has been used as a veterinary germicide and parasiticide; [Merck Index]
Comments
Decomposed by light; Absorbs carbon dioxide when moist; [Merck Index] A strong oxidizing agent; A mild eye irritant; May cause argyria; [CAMEO] Causes tetany, cyanosis, and diarrhea in oral lethal-dose studies of mice; [RTECS] An oxidizer that may cause fire on contact with combustible materials; Causes burns; Inhalation can cause corrosive effects on the upper respiratory tract and lungs; May cause argyria; [Alfa Aesar MSDS] See "Silver."
Biomedical References
Exposure Assessment
MAK
0.01 mg/m3, inhalable fraction, as Ag (salts)
Explanatory Notes
The Guide in the Emergency Response Guidebook is for "Oxidizing solid, corrosive, n.o.s."
Adverse Effects
Toxic Pneumonitis
Yes
Dermatotoxin
Skin burns
Diseases, Processes, and Activities Linked to This Agent
Processes
Industrial Processes with risk of exposure: