The word "silver phosphate" is spelled as /ˈsɪlvər ˈfɑːsfɪt/. The "s" at the beginning of "silver" is pronounced as a "z" sound due to the following "i" vowel. The "a" in "phosphate" is pronounced as a short "a" sound, while the "o" is silent. The "ph" is pronounced as an "f" sound, and the "t" at the end is pronounced with a hard "t" sound. Overall, the spelling of "silver phosphate" accurately represents its pronunciation.
Silver phosphate is a chemical compound with the formula Ag3PO4. It is a crystalline, odorless, and white solid that is primarily composed of silver and phosphate ions. The compound is formed through the combination of silver nitrate (AgNO3) and sodium phosphate (Na3PO4) in an aqueous solution.
Silver phosphate is insoluble in water, meaning it does not readily dissolve in water and forms a precipitate. It is sparingly soluble in common acids and ammonia, but it dissolves in excess ammonium hydroxide to form a complex ion called the diammine silver(I) phosphate complex, [Ag(NH3)2]3PO4.
This compound possesses various applications in different fields. In industries, silver phosphate is used as a sensitizer for photoprocessing materials, particularly black and white photography, where it helps to convert light into a visible image. It also serves as a catalyst in various organic reactions, such as the oxidation of alcohols.
In addition to its industrial uses, silver phosphate also finds applications in medicine and dentistry. It is incorporated into dental materials, like dental cements, due to its antibacterial properties. Furthermore, it is an ingredient in certain wound dressings and antiseptic creams. Moreover, silver phosphate nanoparticles have gained attention in recent years due to their potential use in drug delivery systems and antimicrobial coatings.
Overall, silver phosphate is a versatile compound that can be utilized in various industries and scientific applications due to its unique chemical properties and beneficial effects.
A yellow amorphous powder, insoluble in water.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The term "silver phosphate" can be broken down into its constituent parts: "silver" and "phosphate".
The word "silver" has its origins in the Old English word "seolfor", which is derived from the Proto-Germanic word "silubra". This, in turn, can be traced back to the Old High German word "silabar" and the Gothic word "silubr".
The word "phosphate" comes from the Greek word "phosphoros", which means "light-bearing". It is a combination of the Greek words "phos", meaning "light", and "pherein", meaning "to bear". The term "phosphate" was later used in chemistry to refer to specific chemical compounds containing the phosphate group.
Therefore, when combined, "silver phosphate" refers to a chemical compound composed of silver and phosphate.