Silver nitrate is widely used in many organic synthesis reactions in several ways. For example, for the deprotection and oxidation reactions. The Ag+ ion reversibly binds alkenes, and selectively adsorbing silver nitrate can be used to isolate alkene mixtures. The resulting adduct can be decomposed (in order to release the free alkene) with ammonia. Silver nitrate has been, in the past, used for silver staining (a process that employs silver or silver compounds to selectively change the appearance of a specific object). This compound is also used in medicine owing to its antiseptic qualities.