Strontium hydroxide
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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.
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]
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.
Safety
Strontium hydroxide is a severe skin, eye and respiratory irritant. It is harmful if swallowed.
References
- ↑ Brauer, Georg (1963). Handbook Of Preparative Inorganic Chemistry. Academic Press. pp. pp 935.