Strontium sulfate

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Strontium sulfate
IUPAC name Strontium Sulfate
Identifiers
CAS number [7759-02-6]
Properties
Molecular formula SrSO4
Molar mass 183.68 g/mol
Appearance White or Grey powder
Odor Odorless
Density 3.96 g/cm3
Melting point

1605 °C, 1878 K, 2921 °F

Boiling point

- (Decomposition)

Solubility in water Ksp = 3.8E-7
Hazards
MSDS External MSDS data
Except where noted otherwise, data are given for
materials in their standard state
(at 25 °C, 100 kPa)

Infobox disclaimer and references

Strontium sulfate (SrSO4) is the sulfate salt of strontium. It is a white, odorless, crystalline powder. It occurs in nature as the mineral celestine.

[edit] Chemical Properties

It is soluble in water to the extent of 1 part in 8,800. It is more soluble in dilute HCl and nitric acid and appreciably soluble in alkali chloride solutions (e.g. sodium chloride).

[edit] Occurrence in Biology

Crystallized strontium sulfate is utilized by a small group of radiolarian protozoa, called the Acantharea, as a main constituent of their skeleton.

[edit] Uses

Like many strontium compounds, strontium sulfate will produce a bright red flame when burned. For this reason it is used in pyrotechnics. The primary difference is that because of the sulfate ion this compound can be used as a high-temperature oxidizer. Thus the oxidizing function will not activate till certain heat levels. These heat levels are commonly found in thermite mixtures, which are mixtures of a metallic fuel, usually magnesium or aluminum, and an oxidizer. It is also used in ceramics.