Difference between revisions of "Strontium carbonate"

Revision as of 20:00, 4 August 2015

Strontium carbonate is a common strontium compound with the chemical formula SrCO₃. It is often used in pottery, and can be obtained cheaply from such suppliers.

Properties

Chemical

Strontium carbonate is similar to all carbonates in that it reacts with most acids to produce the corresponding strontium salt, carbon dioxide, and water. Thus it is likely the most-used intermediate for strontium salts. Care must be taken when this is done with pottery grade material, as this is often contaminated with strontium sulfide which will produce hydrogen sulfide when mixed with a strong acid. It can be purified by reacting with a weak, soluble strontium salt making acid and filtering of insoluble powders. Strontium carbonate will also decompose at 1494°C to strontium oxide.

Physical

Strontium carbonate, when obtained from pottery suppliers, is an odorless white powder which is insoluble in water and soluble in acids.

Availability

Strontium carbonate is readily available at a cost of $2-3 per pound from pottery suppliers. Many lab suppliers also sell strontium salts.

Preparation

This compound can be prepared from a metathesis reaction between a soluble strontium salt, such as strontium nitrate, and an alkali carbonate such as sodium carbonate. Strontium oxide or hydroxide left in air will slowly convert to the carbonate in the presence of carbon dioxide.

Projects

• Producing other strontium salts
• Strontium nitrate or strontium chlorate for flash powder or red road flares

Handling

Safety

Strontium is nontoxic, however large amounts of strontium in the body may lead to strontium replacing calcium in the bones. It is not known whether this has detrimental health effects.

Storage

Should be stored in closed bottles.

Disposal

No special disposal is required, as it is non-toxic.

References

Relevant Sciencemadness threads