Strontium hydroxide
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| Strontium hydroxide | |
|---|---|
| Identifiers | |
| CAS number | [18480-07-4] (anhydrous) |
| Properties | |
| Molecular formula | Sr(OH)2 |
| Molar mass | 121.63468 g·mol–1 (anhydrous) 139.64996 g·mol–1 (monohydrate) 265.75692 g·mol–1 (octahydrate) |
| Appearance | prismatic colourless crystals |
| Melting point |
375°C (anhydrous) |
| Solubility in water | 1.77 g / 100 mL at 20 °C |
| Basicity (pKb) | –2.19 |
| Hazards | |
| EU classification | Harmful (Xn) |
| R-phrases | R22 R36 R37 R38 |
| Related compounds | |
| Other anions | Strontium oxide Strontium peroxide |
| Other cations | Calcium hydroxide Barium hydroxide |
| Except where noted otherwise, data are given for materials in their standard state (at 25 °C, 100 kPa) Infobox disclaimer and references |
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Strontium hydroxide, Sr(OH)2, is a caustic alkali composed of one strontium ion and two hydroxide ions. It is synthesized by combining a strontium salt with a strong base. Sr(OH)2 exists in anhydrous, monohydrate, or octahydrate form.
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[edit] Preparation
Because Sr(OH)2 is very slightly soluble in water, its preparation can be easily carried out by the addition of a strong base such as NaOH or KOH, drop by drop to a solution of any strontium salt, most commonly Sr(NO3)2 (strontium nitrate). The Sr(OH)2 will precipitate out as a fine white powder. From here, the solution is filtered, and the Sr(OH)2 is washed with cold water and dried.[1]
[edit] Applications
Strontium hydroxide is used chiefly in the refining of beet sugar and as a stabilizer in plastic. It may be used as a source of strontium ions when the chlorine from strontium chloride is undesirable. Strontium hydroxide absorbs carbon dioxide from the air to form strontium carbonate.
[edit] Safety
Strontium hydroxide is a severe skin, eye and respiratory irritant. It is harmful if swallowed.
[edit] References
- ^ Brauer, Georg (1963). Handbook Of Preparative Inorganic Chemistry. Academic Press, pp 935.
