silver(i) acetylide

Chemical properties

white powder(s); unstable; prepared by reacting acetylene with silver salts ammoniacal solution; used as a detonator [HAW93] [KIR83]

Physical properties

White powder; unstable; explodes when subjected to heat or shock.

The Uses of silver(i) acetylide

Its limited use is only as a detonator. Riskof its formation may arise when silver metalor its salt solution comes in contact withacetylene.

Preparation

Silver acetylide is prepared by passing acetylene through a silver salt solution.

Fire Hazard

It is extremely sensitive to shock when fully dried and can explode at a slight touch. It is, however, stable under moist conditions. It is somewhat more sensitive than cuprous acetylide. It explodes violently when heated to 120°C (248°F). Reactions with dilute acids produce acetylene, which is flammable and explosive in air. It reacts with silver nitrate, forming a complex C2Ag2·AgNO3, which can explode when dry by heat or spark.