Nitrates are generally very soluble in water. This is because the nitrate ion (NO₃⁻) is a highly charged anion, making it strongly attracted to water molecules. This strong attraction leads to the formation of hydrated ions in solution, promoting solubility.

Exceptions:

* Basic nitrates, like bismuth nitrate (Bi(NO₃)₃), tend to hydrolyze in water and form basic salts that are less soluble.

* Some nitrates containing large organic cations may exhibit limited solubility due to the size and complexity of the cation.

However, these exceptions are relatively uncommon and are not typically encountered in general chemistry or introductory studies.