Fulminating silver explained

Fulminating silver is a historic name which may apply to a number of silver based explosives which "fulminate" or detonate easily and violently. It has no exact chemical or dictionary definition, but may refer to:

• silver fulminate (which, confusingly, is the only "fulminating silver" to be a silver compound with the fulminate anion)
• silver azide, AgN₃
• a mixture, a decomposition product of Tollens' reagent
• silver nitride, Ag₃N - one of the earliest silver based explosives
• the alchemical substance "Argentum Fulminans"

The stability of many of these compounds can vary depending on how they are stored or handled, with levels of hydration often being a major factor.^[1]

Notes and References

1. Ennis. John L.. Shanley. Edward S.. On hazardous silver compounds. Journal of Chemical Education. January 1991. 68. 1. A6. 10.1021/ed068pA6. 1991JChEd..68....6E.