Silver oxide is a chemical compound. This fine dry powder with a brownish-black color is primarily used in the preparation of other silver compounds. It is a three-dimensional polymer (i.e. chemical compound consisting essentially of repeating structural units) and is not readily soluble in most solvents. Although silver oxide hydrolyzes only slightly in water, it gives the water a distinctive metallic taste. However, silver oxide is soluble in dilute nitric acid and is easily attacked by acids. Like other silver compounds, silver oxide is not light sensitive and decomposes at temperatures above 280 degrees Celsius.
