Strontium nitrate is an inorganic salt with the chemical formula Sr(NO3)2. It is a colorless crystalline solid that is soluble in water and boiling alcohol.
Chemical Properties
Strontium nitrate forms hydrated crystals with the formula Sr(NO3)2·nH2O, where n is usually 4, 6 or 8. Anhydrous strontium nitrate melts at 870°C and decomposes at higher temperatures to form strontium oxide and nitrogen oxides. It dissolves readily in water but is insoluble in alcohol. When heated strongly, it decomposes to strontium oxide and nitrogen oxides.

Strontium Nitrate reacts with sodium hydroxide to form strontium hydroxide and sodium nitrate according to the equation:

Sr(NO3)2 + 2NaOH → Sr(OH)2 + 2NaNO3

It also reacts with barium chloride to form precipitates of strontium chloride and barium nitrate:

Sr(NO3)2 + BaCl2 → SrCl2 + Ba(NO3)2

These are some of the important chemical properties of strontium nitrate that define its reactions.

Uses and Applications

Pyrotechnics
Strontium nitrate is commonly used as an oxidizing agent in pyrotechnic compositions which produce colorful lights upon burning. When combined with fuels like sucrose or metallic powders, it supports combustion and produces bright red-orange flares and flames. Some common pyrotechnic uses include signal flares, fireworks and sparklers.

Alloying Agent
Small amounts of strontium are added to aluminum alloys to modify the alloy's mechanical properties like corrosion resistance, ductility and surface hardness. Strontium nitrate is commonly used as a precursor compound to introduce strontium into the aluminum matrix during casting or thermal treatment processes.

Laboratory Reagent
In chemistry laboratories, strontium nitrate finds use as a source of strontium ions in qualitative inorganic analysis. Due to its high solubility and dissociation in water, it is an excellent titrimetric reagent in acid-base titrations. It can also be used to prepare other strontium salts like strontium chloride or strontium sulfate in the lab.

Fertilizers
Strontium is an essential micro-nutrient for plants and helps regulate their metabolic functions. Addition of small amounts of strontium in fertilizers enhances crop productivity and stress-resistance. Strontium nitrate is incorporated as a source of strontium in some specialty fertilizers.

Glass Industry
Strontium compounds modify the optical properties of glass. Minute amounts of strontium nitrate are added to glass compositions to reduce melting temperatures or affect transparency. It finds application in the manufacturing of special optical glasses, TV screens and energy efficient windows.

Advantages and Limitations

Strontium nitrate synthesizes and purifies easily on a large scale. It is stable, highly soluble in water and readily dissociates, making it suitable for a variety of applications. However, due to its oxidizing nature, appropriate safety measures must be followed during handling and storage. Prolonged exposure or inhalation can cause irritation to skin and respiratory tract. Strict guidelines are enforced for its transportation and use in fireworks due to fire and explosion risks. Overall, with proper safety protocols strontium nitrate proves to be a valuable chemical for pyrotechnic, metallurgical and agricultural uses.

Being a covenient source of strontium ions, it enables diverse applications ranging from pyrotechnics and metal treatment to fertilizers and lab reagents. With appropriate safety measures, strontium nitrate contributes significantly towards industries like metal production, agriculture as well as adds liveliness to fireworks displays. Further research continues to explore new applications of this industrially important compound.

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