Strontium nitrate

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Strontium nitrate
Identifiers
CAS number [10042-76-9]
Properties
Molecular formula Sr(NO3)2
Molar mass 211.63 g/mol
Appearance white granular solid
Density 2.986 g/cm3, solid
Melting point

570 °C, 843 K, 1058 °F

Boiling point

645 C (1193 F) (decomposition)

Solubility in water 71 g/100 ml at 18 °C
Hazards
EU classification not listed
Main hazards Toxic
Except where noted otherwise, data are given for
materials in their standard state
(at 25 °C, 100 kPa)

Infobox disclaimer and references

Strontium nitrate (Sr(NO3)2) is an acid salt of strontium. It is used as an oxidizer and colorant in fireworks.

Contents

[edit] Preparation

Strontium nitrate is typically generated by the reaction of nitric acid on strontium carbonate.[1]

2 HNO3 + SrCO3 → Sr(NO3)2 + H2O + CO2
Nitric acid reacts with strontium carbonate to form strontium nitrate
Nitric acid reacts with strontium carbonate to form strontium nitrate


[edit] Uses

Like many other strontium salts, strontium nitrate is used to produce a rich red flame in fireworks and road flares. The primary difference strontium nitrate has over the other salts is the fact it is an oxidizer. This provides two uses in pyrotechnics.

Solutions of Sr(NO3)2 reacts with sulfuric acid to precipitate SrSO4, a precursor to the phosphor strontium sulfide.[1]

[edit] Health warning

If strontium nitrate is heated to the point of decomposition it will produce strontium oxide and release toxic nitrogen dioxide gas.

[edit] References

  1. ^ a b Ward, R.; Osterheld, R. K.; Rosenstein, R. D. "Strontium Sulfide and Selenide Phosphors" Inorganic Syntheses McGraw-Hill: New York, 1950; Vol. 3, p. 11-23.