Strontium nitrate is an inorganic compound composed of the elements strontium, nitrogen and oxygen with the formula Sr(NO3)2. This colorless solid is used as a red colorant and oxidizer in pyrotechnics.

Preparation

Strontium nitrate is typically generated by the reaction of nitric acid on strontium carbonate.[2]

2 HNO3 + SrCO3 → Sr(NO3)2 + H2O + CO2
The reaction of nitric acid and strontium carbonate to form strontium nitrate

Uses

Like many other strontium salts, strontium nitrate is used to produce a rich red flame in fireworks and road flares. The oxidizing properties of this salt are advantageous in such applications.[3]

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.[4]

Biochemistry

As a divalent ion with an ionic radius similar to that of Ca2+ (1.13 Å and 0.99 Å respectively), Sr2+ ions resembles calcium's ability to traverse calcium-selective ion channels and trigger neurotransmitter release from nerve endings. It is thus used in electrophysiology experiments.

In popular culture

In his short story "A Germ-Destroyer", Rudyard Kipling refers to strontium nitrate as the main ingredient of the titular fumigant.

References

  1. ^ Patnaik, Pradyot (2002). Handbook of Inorganic Chemicals. McGraw-Hill, ISBN 0-07-049439-8
  2. ^ Ward, R., Osterheld, R. K., Rosenstein, R. D. (1950). "Strontium Sulfide and Selenide Phosphors". Inorganic Syntheses. Inorganic Syntheses. Vol. 3. pp. 11–23. doi:10.1002/9780470132340.ch4. ISBN 978-0-470-13234-0.
  3. ^ MacMillan, J. Paul; Park, Jai Won; Gerstenberg, Rolf; Wagner, Heinz; Köhler, Karl and Wallbrecht, Peter (2002) "Strontium and Strontium Compounds" in Ullmann's Encyclopedia of Industrial Chemistry, Wiley-VCH, Weinheim. doi:10.1002/14356007.a25_321
  4. ^ Zhai H, Hannon W, Hahn GS, Pelosi A, Harper RA, Maibach HI (2000). "Strontium nitrate suppresses chemically-induced sensory irritation in humans". Contact Dermatitis. 42 (2): 98–100. doi:10.1034/j.1600-0536.2000.042002098.x. PMID 10703633. S2CID 25910851.