STRONTIUM CHLORATE

Description

Strontium chlorate, Sr(ClO3)2, has a molecular weight of 254.52 g/mol. It is a white solid with a melting point of 120°C and a density of 3.152 g/cm3. It is soluble in water (174 g/100 ml at 20°C). Its CAS number is 7791-10-8. Sr(ClO3)2 is shock sensitive, and is highly flammable if allowed to sit in air. These white, water-soluble crystals decompose at 120°C. It is used in pyrotechnics and tracer bullets. There are two coexisting crystal hydrates that undergo interconversion, the dihydrate and the hexahydrate. These compounds are not as shock sensitive as the anhydrate.

Chemical properties

White, crystalline powder. Soluble in water; slightly soluble in alcohol.

Physical properties

Strontium chlorate is a strong oxidizing agent. It forms a flammable mixture with combustible materials (can be ignited by friction). Such mixtures may be explosive.
Contact with concentrated sulfuric acid can cause fires or explosions. When mixed with ammonium salts, spontaneous decomposition and ignition may result. This compound liberates explosive chlorine dioxide gas in the presence of strong acid; heating with a dibasic organic acid in the presence of moisture liberates chlorine dioxide and carbon dioxide. Mixtures with ammonium salts, powdered metals, silicon, sulfur, or sulfides are readily ignited and potentially explosive.

The Uses of STRONTIUM CHLORATE

In pyrotechnics to produce red fire.

Preparation

Strontium chlorate can be produced by the Liebig method which consists of passing chlorine gas through a solid such as Sr(OH)2:
6Sr(OH)2＋ 6Cl2→5SrCl2＋ Sr(CIO3)2＋ H2O.
However, separating the two salts remains problematic since both are soluble in water. Strontium chloride solubility is 42.9 g/100 ml of water at 20°C while that of strontium chlorate is 174.9 g/100 ml of water at 20°C.

General Description

A moist solid or semi-solid slurry of white crystals. May explode under exposure to heat or fire. Used in pyrotechnics.

Air & Water Reactions

Water soluble.

Reactivity Profile

STRONTIUM CHLORATE is a strong oxidizing agent. Forms a flammable mixture with combustible materials (can be ignited by friction). Such mixtures may be explosive Contact with concentrated sulfuric acid can cause fires or explosions. When mixed with ammonium salts, spontaneous decomposition and ignition may result. Liberates explosive chlorine dioxide gas in the presence of strong acid; heating with a dibasic organic acid in the presence of moisture liberates chlorine dioxide and carbon dioxide [Bretherick 1979 p. 100]. Mixtures with ammonium salts, powdered metals, silicon, sulfur, or sulfides are readily ignited and potentially explosive [Bretherick 1979 p. 806].

Hazard

Dangerous explosion risk in contact with organic materials; highly sensitive to shock, heat, and friction; strong oxidizing agent.

Health Hazard

TOXIC; inhalation, ingestion or contact (skin, eyes) with vapors, dusts or substance may cause severe injury, burns or death. Fire may produce irritating and/or toxic gases. Toxic fumes or dust may accumulate in confined areas (basement, tanks, hopper/tank cars, etc.). Runoff from fire control or dilution water may cause pollution.

Fire Hazard

May explode from friction, heat or contamination. These substances will accelerate burning when involved in a fire. May ignite combustibles (wood, paper, oil, clothing, etc.). Some will react explosively with hydrocarbons (fuels). Containers may explode when heated. Runoff may create fire or explosion hazard.

Safety Profile

A powerful oxidizer. When heated to decomposition it emits toxic fumes of Cl-. See also CHLORATES.