4 (Ag(NH3)2)+ + HCHO + 6 OH- → CO32- + 4 Ag + 8 NH3 + 4 H2O
This is an oxidation-reduction (redox) reaction:
C0 - 4 e- → CIV (oxidation)
4 AgI + 4 e- → 4 Ag0 (reduction)
HCHO is a reducing agent, (Ag(NH3)2)+ is an oxidizing agent.
Reactants:
- (Ag(NH3)2)+
- HCHO – Formaldehyde , Methanal
- Other names: Methyl aldehyde , Methylene glycol , Methylene oxide
- Appearance: Colorless gas ; Colourless gas with pungent odour ; Colourless liquid with pungent odour ; Nearly colorless gas with a pungent, suffocating odor. [Note: Often used in an aqueous solution (see specific listing for Formalin).]
- OH- – Hydroxide
Products:
- CO32- – Carbonate , Trioxidocarbonate{{rp|127}}
- Ag
- NH3
- Names: Ammonia , Azane (only intended for use in naming derivatives of ammonia) , Hydrogen nitride
- Appearance: Colourless gas ; Colourless gas or compressed liquefied gas with pungent odour ; Colorless gas with a pungent, suffocating odor. [Note: Shipped as a liquefied compressed gas. Easily liquefied under pressure.]
- H2O – Water, oxidane