Strontium nitrate

Strontium nitrate (Sr(NO3)2) is the nitric acid salt of strontium. It is used as an oxidizer and colorant in fireworks.

Preparation
Strontium nitrate is typically generated by the reaction of nitric acid on strontium carbonate.

2HNO3 + SrCO3 → Sr(NO3)2 + H2O + CO2

Uses
Like many other strontium salts, strontium nitrate is used to produce a rich red flame in fireworks and road flares. The primary difference strontium nitrate has over the other salts is the fact it is an oxidizer. This provides two uses in pyrotechnics.

Solutions of Sr(NO3)2 reacts with sulfuric acid to precipitate SrSO4, a precursor to the phosphor strontium sulfide.

Health warning
If strontium nitrate is heated to the point of decomposition it will produce strontium oxide and release toxic nitrogen dioxide gas.