Strontium nitrate
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| Strontium nitrate | |
|---|---|
| Identifiers | |
| CAS number | [] |
| 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 |
- (decomposition) |
| Solubility in water | 71 g/100 ml at 18 °C |
| Hazards | |
| EU classification | not listed |
| 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 the nitric 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]
[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
- ^ 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.
