General Description
A white crystalline solid. Noncombustible but accelerates burning of combustible materials. May explode if large quantities are involved in a fire or the combustible material is finely divided. May explode under prolonged exposure to heat or fire. Toxic oxides of nitrogen are produced in fires. Used in pyrotechnics, in medicine, and to make other chemicals.
Reactivity Profile
Mixtures of metal/nonmetal nitrates with alkyl esters may explode, owing to the formation of alkyl nitrates; mixtures a nitrate with phosphorus, tin (II) chloride, or other reducing agents may react explosively [Bretherick 1979 p. 108-109]. Special Hazards of Combustion Products: Yields toxic gaseous oxides of nitrogen when involved in fire.
Air & Water Reactions
Soluble in water.
Health Hazard
Dust is irritating to skin, eyes, and respiratory system.
Potential Exposure
Strontium nitrate is used in matches, pyrotechnics, marine signals; and railroad flares.
First aid
If this chemical gets into the eyes, remove any contact lenses at once and irrigate immediately for at least 15 minutes, occasionally lifting upper and lower lids. Seek medical attention immediately. If this chemical contacts the skin, remove contaminated clothing and wash immediately with soap and water. Seek medical attention immediately. If this chemical has been inhaled, remove from exposure, begin rescue breathing (using universal precautions, including resuscitation mask) if breathing has stopped and CPR if heart action has stopped. Transfer promptly to a medical facility. When this chemical has been swallowed, get medical attention. Give large quantities of water and induce vomiting. Do not make an unconscious person vomit. Medical observation is recommended for 24 hours in case chemical pneumonia or other respiratory symptoms are present.
Shipping
UN1507 Strontium nitrate, Hazard Class: 5.1; Labels: 5.1-Oxidizer.
Incompatibilities
A strong oxidizer. Incompatible with oxidizers (chlorates, nitrates, peroxides, permanganates, perchlorates, chlorine, bromine, fluorine, etc.); contact may cause fires or explosions. Violent reaction with reducing agents; combustibles, organics, or other readily oxidizable materials. Keep away from alkaline materials, strong bases, strong acids, oxoacids, epoxides.
Description
Strontium nitrate has the molecular formula of
Sr(NO3)2 and the molecular weight of 211.6327 g/mol.
Strontium nitrate is prepared by treating strontium
carbonate with nitric acid. The solution is evaporated
and crystallized:
SrCO3 +HNO3 ? Sr(NO3)2 + CO2 +H2O
Crystallization yields the tetrahydrate, Sr(NO3)2·
4H2O, which, on heating, melts at 31.3 °C in its own
waters of hydration and then decomposes >100 °C to
form the anhydrous nitrate. The anhydrate melts at
570 °C (It begins to decompose as low as 545 °C), is
soluble in water (70.3 gm/100 ml at 20 °C) and is
very slightly soluble in ethanol. These colorless crystals,
or white powder, have a density of 2.986 g/cm3
and its CAS number is 10042-76-9. It is very soluble
in water, as shown in Table 4.11 on the following page. Strontium nitrate apparently forms only the tetrahydrate
when a solution is evaporated below 80°C.
Otherwise it decomposes at higher solution temperatures
to Sr(OH)2 and nitrogen oxides. The nitric acid
concentration makes little difference in the hydrate
produced, in contrast to other alkaline earths like Ca
and Mg.
Chemical Properties
Colorless cubic crystals or white powder or granules; density 2.986 g/cm3; melts at 570°C; very soluble in water, 80 g/100 mL at 18°C; very slightly soluble in ethanol.
The tetrahydrate constitutes colorless monoclinic crystals; density 2.20 g/cm3; loses all water of crystallization at 100°C; converts to strontium oxide, SrO at 1,100°C; very soluble in water, 60.4g/100 mL at 0°C, 206 g/100 mL at 100°C; soluble in liquid ammonia; very slightly soluble in ethanol and acetone.
Chemical Properties
Strontium nitrate is a white crystalline solid
Physical properties
Colorless cubic crystals or white powder or granules; density 2.986 g/cm3; melts at 570°C; very soluble in water, 80 g/100 mL at 18°C; very slightly soluble in ethanol.
The tetrahydrate constitutes colorless monoclinic crystals; density 2.20 g/cm3; loses all water of crystallization at 100°C; converts to strontium oxide, SrO at 1,100°C; very soluble in water, 60.4g/100 mL at 0°C, 206 g/100 mL at 100°C; soluble in liquid ammonia; very slightly soluble in ethanol and acetone.
Brand name
Strotope (Bristol-Myers Squibb).
Flammability and Explosibility
Nonflammable
Purification Methods
Crystallise it from hot water (0.5mL/g) by cooling to 0o.
