Six Major Uses of Silver Nitrate Powder Antibacterial and Disinfection Properties Silver nitrate ( AgNO₃ ,CAS:7761-88-8 ) has well-known antibacterial properties due to the release of silver ions (Ag⁺), which can bind to bacterial cell membranes and disrupt their structure. This makes it an effective agent for disinfection and antimicrobial treatments. Silver nitrate is frequently used in the medical field for treating burn wounds, ulcers, and skin diseases. It is also used for local disinfection after surgery and for treating eye infections such as styes (chalazions). In addition, silver nitrate is used in neonatal care to prevent gonococcal eye infections by applying a diluted solution to newborns' eyes. Making Silver Mirrors It is commonly used in the "silver mirror reaction" in chemical laboratories. In this reaction, silver nitrate reacts with ammonia and reducing agents (such as glucose) to reduce silver ions (Ag⁺) to metallic silver (Ag). The metallic s...