Silver nitrate is an inorganic compound with chemical formula AgNO3. It is a colorless solid that is a precursor to many other silver compounds. Silver nitrate is highly soluble in water but is poorly soluble in most organic solvents, except acetonitrile. Silver nitrate is the least expensive salt of silver; it offers several other advantages as well. It is non-hygroscopic. In addition, it is relatively stable to light, and it dissolves in numerous solvents, including water. The nitrate can be easily replaced by other ligands.