PURPOSE: To produce singly dispersed fine silver particles having a narrow particle size distribution by adding an aq. soln. of L-ascorbic acid (salt) as a reducing agent adjusted to a specified pH to an aq. silver nitrate soln. adjusted to a specified pH and by reducing the silver nitrate soln. at a specified reaction temp.

CONSTITUTION: An aq. silver nitrate soln. is adjusted to 0.3W7 pH with dil. nitric acid. An aq. soln. of L-ascorbic acid or a salt thereof used as a reducing agent is adjusted to ≥0.1pH with an aq. ammonia soln. or the like. The L- ascorbic acid (salt) soln. is added to the silver nitrate soln. with stirring and allowed to react at ≤100°C. The resulting fine silver particles are separated by filtration and washed. The oxidation-reduction potential of the L-ascorbic acid used as the reducing agent is proper to reduce the silver nitrate soln. and the acid prevents the flocculation of the particles. By this method, the particle size of the fine silver particles can be controlled.