Storing silver nitrate solution

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the appropriate storage methods for silver nitrate and potassium chromate solutions, particularly in the context of conducting the Mohr's Method chloride test at home. It includes considerations of container materials and safety precautions.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant suggests using a black plastic bottle for storing silver nitrate, while questioning the safety of using a bottle that previously contained liquor.
  • Another participant warns against using bottles that previously held food items for storing reagents, citing a safety incident as a cautionary example.
  • There is a preference expressed for using glass bottles for both silver nitrate and potassium chromate due to potential chemical interactions with plastic.
  • Concerns are raised about the use of metal screw caps for glass bottles containing silver nitrate, with suggestions for alternative sealing methods.
  • Participants discuss the potential for plastic to embrittle over time when storing silver nitrate, recommending additional precautions if using plastic containers.
  • For potassium chromate, some participants suggest that plastic bottles may be acceptable, but with similar cautions as for silver nitrate.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

There is no consensus on the best storage method, as participants express differing opinions on the suitability of plastic versus glass containers and the safety of using previously food-containing bottles.

Contextual Notes

Participants mention various limitations regarding the availability of specific types of stoppers for glass bottles and the implications of using different materials for storage, but do not resolve these issues.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be useful for hobbyists conducting chemical tests at home, particularly those interested in safe storage practices for chemical reagents.

skyshrimp
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I'm going to attempt the Mohr's Method chloride test at home for my saltwater aquarium.

It requires me to add 5g of sliver nitrate to 250ml of distilled water and store it in a brown bottle. I have an opaque, black 750ml bottle I can use that I washed out with 0 TDS water. It used to contain Bailey's Liquor and has a metal screw top lid. Will this be ok to use? Can I use a plastic bottle to store it in instead?

I don't have the equipment to distill so I kept partially freezing tapwater and retaining the ice until the TDS was 0.

I also have to mix 1g of potassium chromate with 20ml of distilled water. Would this have to be in a glass bottle or can I use a plastic one?

Thanks
 
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Don't ever use bottles that were earlier used to keep any food for reagents. Not because of possible contamination, but to avoid nasty mistakes. Few years ago a kid died in Warsaw after drinking some kind of wood protection liquid that her grandpa kept in a coca cola bottle.

If you keep your reagents in a dark cabinet, using brown bottles don't matter much.

I would prefer glass bottles for both silver nitrate and dichromate.

http://www.titrations.info/precipitation-titration-argentometry-chlorides-Mohr
 
skyshrimp said:
(snip) ... has a metal screw top lid. (Big no-no for AgNO3) Can I use a plastic bottle to store it in instead? Should be okay as long as you keep it in the dark; caveat: it will embrittle plastic over time, so if you can store your plastic bottle in a glass jar, it'll do wonders for preserving the finish on your furniture.

I don't have the equipment to distill so I kept partially freezing tapwater and retaining the ice until the TDS was 0. Outstanding --- didn't think there was anyone else in the world as eccentric that way as yours truly.

I also have to mix 1g of potassium chromate with 20ml of distilled water. Would this have to be in a glass bottle or can I use a plastic one?
Ought to be okay, same caution.
Thanks
 
Thanks,

So if I used glass bottles, how should I seal them if I can't use their metal screw caps?
 
Glass stoppers are the best, but I guess you don't have them. Polyethylene plastic stoppers are quite good as well. If you have neither, cork stoppers wrapped in polyethylene foil should work as a last resort.
 

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