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 1 Preparation 2 Uses 3 Health warning 4 References

[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

[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.