It is a reagent in the laboratory as a source of silver ions lacking an oxidizing anion. It is a reagent for direct ortho-arylation, and for conversion of organohalogen compounds into alcohols. Woodward cis-hydroxylation reaction employs silver acetate and iodine for selective conversin of alkenes into cis-diols. Silver acetate is the more preferred reagent for facile carbonylation of primary and secondary amines. It is also employed in the preparation of highly reflective, conductive silvered polymer films.

This Thermo Scientific Chemicals brand product was originally part of the Alfa Aesar product portfolio. Some documentation and label information may refer to the legacy brand. The original Alfa Aesar product / item code or SKU reference has not changed as a part of the brand transition to Thermo Scientific Chemicals.