Why does AgCl dissolve in NH3 solution?

Question

anonymous · Answer

@UnkleRhaukus @SheldonEinstein

unklerhaukus · Answer

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6VCmxvHWLyQ

anonymous · Answer

why does it form a complex?

unklerhaukus · Answer

i guess the lone-pairs on the ammonia are attracted the silver ions

anonymous · Answer

then why doesnt AgI dissolve in ammonia

anonymous · Answer

i mean silver iodide not dissolve i nammonia

unklerhaukus · Answer

Silver Iodide? 
i guess that the iodide atom (ion) is much larger, and physically blocks ammonia molecules from geting close enough t the silver

anonymous · Answer

so the answer is, since clorine atom is smaller, and ammonia has a lone pair in it, it attracts silver ions forming a soluble complex ion

unklerhaukus · Answer

the lone-pair on the ammonia will be attracted to the silver ion, 

if the silver ions are in silver chloride they will be able to disolver,
if the silver ions are in silver iodide they will not be able to dissolve to to sterric hindrance 

i hope this is right cause i havent studied chemistry in a long time

anonymous · Answer

thnks