Strontium nitrate
 Strontium nitrate sample
| |
| Names | |
|---|---|
| IUPAC name
Strontium nitrate
| |
| Preferred IUPAC name
Strontium nitrate | |
| Other names
Strontium dinitrate
| |
| Properties | |
| Sr(NO3)2 | |
| Molar mass | 211.630 g/mol (anhydrous) 283.69 g/mol (tetrahydrate) |
| Appearance | White crystalline solid |
| Odor | Odorless |
| Density | 2.986 g/cm3 (anhydrous) 2.20 g/cm3 (tetrahydrate) |
| Melting point | anhydrous 570 °C (1,058 °F; 843 K) tetrahydrate 100 °C (212 °F; 273 K) (decomposes) |
| Boiling point | 645 °C (1,193 °F; 918 K) (decomposes) |
| anhydrous 40.1 g/100 ml (0 °C) 71 g/100 ml (18 °C) 66 g/100 ml (20 °C) 100 g/100 ml (90 °C) tetrahydrate 60.43 g/100 ml (0 °C) 206.5 g/100 ml (100 °C) | |
| Solubility | Soluble in anh. ammonia Very slightly soluble in acetone, ethanol, methanol Insoluble in nitric acid |
| Solubility in ethanol | 0.012 g/100 ml |
| Vapor pressure | ~0 mmHg |
| Hazards | |
| Safety data sheet | Sigma-Aldrich (anhydrous) |
| Flash point | Non-flammable |
| Lethal dose or concentration (LD, LC): | |
| LD50 (Median dose)
|
2750 mg/kg (rat, oral) |
| Related compounds | |
| Related compounds
|
Calcium nitrate Magnesium nitrate Barium nitrate |
| Except where otherwise noted, data are given for materials in their standard state (at 25 °C [77 °F], 100 kPa). | |
| Infobox references | |
Strontium nitrate is an inorganic compound with the formula Sr(NO3)2. It is available in anhydrous and hydrated forms. This compound is used as a red colorant and oxidizer in pyrotechnics.
Contents
Properties
Chemical
Strontium nitrate, when mixed with a powdered flammable material, like aluminium, will rapidly burn with a red flame, which allows the salt to be used in pyrotechnic mixtures.
- Sr(NO3)2 + 2 Al → Al2O3 + SrO + N2
Heating strontium nitrate above 5-600 °C will cause it to decompose, releasing nitrogen dioxide and oxygen.
- Sr(NO3)2 → SrO + 2 NO2 + ½ O2
Physical
Strontium nitrate is a white solid, very soluble in water, but less soluble in organic solvents.
Availability
Strontium nitrate is sold by chemical suppliers.
Can also be extracted from red flame producing fireworks, though it's a lot of work.
Preparation
Strontium nitrate is typically generated by the reaction of nitric acid on strontium carbonate.
- 2 HNO3 + SrCO3 → Sr(NO3)2 + H2O + CO2
Projects
- Oxidizer
- Make red flame
- Source of strontium ions
- Make anti-skin irritation topic
Handling
Safety
The human body absorbs strontium as if it were its lighter counterpart calcium. Because the elements are chemically very similar, strontium do not pose a significant health threat.
Strontium nitrate can aid in eliminating and lessening skin irritations. When mixed with glycolic acid, strontium nitrate reduces the sensation of skin irritation significantly better than using glycolic acid alone.
Storage
Strontium nitrate should be stored in plastic or glass containers or bottles, away from acids and any flammable materials.
Disposal
Strontium has low toxicity, and doesn't require special neutralization or disposal. Could be used as soil fertilizer, though it's expensive for such use.
