Strontium chlorite, Sr(ClO2)2, has the molecular
weight of 155.072 g/mol. Its density is 2.61 g/cm3. Its
CAS number is 14674-72-7. Its melting point is 757°C and it has a boiling point of 1484°C. Strontium chlorite
can be prepared by reaction of chlorous acid with strontium carbonate:
SrCO3 (s)+ 2HClO2 (aq)→Sr(ClO2)2·6H2O
It is a white granular solid and, if formed in solution,
crystallizes as the hexahydrate. Like its calcium
homologue, strontium chlorite is a strong oxidizing
agent. It accelerates the burning of combustible materials,
ignites on contact with potassium thiocyanate
and reaction with chlorine yields explosive chlorine
dioxide gas. Reaction with ammonia produces ammonium
chlorite, which is shock sensitive. If mixed with
finely divided metallic or organic substances, the combination is highly flammable and may be ignited
by friction.