Strontium Sulfate Formula, Structure , Properties, Uses

Strontium Sulfate Formula: Strontium sulfate, chemically denoted as SrSO₄, represents the sulfate salt of strontium. This compound takes the form of a white crystalline powder and is naturally found in the mineral celestine. In water, its solubility is limited to a notable extent, with only 1 part in 8,800 dissolving. It exhibits higher solubility in dilute hydrochloric acid (HCl) and nitric acid, and it can be appreciably dissolved in alkaline chloride solutions, such as sodium chloride.

Strontium, denoted by the symbol Sr with an atomic number of 38, is classified as an alkaline earth metal. It possesses a distinctive soft, silver-white metallic appearance and exhibits remarkable chemical reactivity. When exposed to the air, it readily forms a dark oxide layer. Strontium finds application in the purification of zinc and serves as a key ingredient in the composition of red signal flares.Naturally, strontium can be found in diverse environmental components like rocks, soil, water, and the atmosphere, and it possesses melting and boiling points of 777°C and 1377°C, respectively.

Sulfate is a common chemical compound widely distributed in nature, crucial to both atmospheric and terrestrial processes. It’s fundamentally made up of sulfur and oxygen atoms, capable of forming salts with various elements like potassium, calcium, magnesium, and sodium. Notably, it has a molar mass of 96.06 g·mol-1 and melting and boiling points of 270.47°C and 623.89°C, respectively.

Strontium Sulfate Formula

Strontium sulfate formula is SrSO₄. It is the sulfate salt of strontium, more commonly known as Celestine. This substance presents itself as a white crystalline powder and can be found naturally occurring. Its solubility characteristics include being soluble in dilute HCl and nitric acid, while it exhibits poor solubility in water and remains insoluble in ethanol. Notably, it is non-flammable. Strontium sulfate holds a pH level of 7.9, indicating a nearly neutral nature, not leaning towards acidity. This compound is the result of the combination of strontium cations (Sr²⁺ ) and sulfate anions (SO₄²–). It finds application as a red colorant in the production of ceramics and glass.

Strontium Sulfate Formula

The Strontium sulfate formula is SrSO₄. It can be understood as a molecular arrangement where two strontium cations (Sr²⁺ ) surround a central sulfur atom. This sulfur atom, in turn, forms bonds with four oxygen atoms, with two of these oxygen atoms participating in S=O bonds, while the other two create S-O- bonds. The molar mass of strontium sulfate is 183.68 g/mol, making it a substantial compound. Thus, the chemical and molecular formula for strontium sulfate is accurately represented as SrSO₄.

Strontium Sulfate Formula Structure

Strontium sulfate embodies an ionic compound, where strontium and sulfate represent the metal and non-metal elements, respectively. This compound is naturally occurring and appears as a white crystalline powder.

Strontium Sulfate Preparation

To create strontium sulfate, you can either use a displacement reaction by replacing a soluble strontium salt with another soluble sulfate salt like ammonium sulfate, or you can produce it by mixing sulfuric acid with strontium hydroxide or carbonate, resulting in the formation of strontium sulfate.

A common displacement reaction is as follows:

(NH4)₂SO₄ + SrCl₂ → 2Cl(NH₄) + Sr(SO₄)

Strontium Sulfate Formula Physical Properties

• Strontium sulfate appears as a white crystal or crystalline powder.
• It has a notably high melting point of 1,606°C.
• It demonstrates enhanced solubility in dilute HCl and nitric acid when compared to other substances.
• The molecular weight of strontium sulfate (SrSO4) is 183.68 g/mol.
• Its density measures 3.96 g/cm3.

Strontium Sulfate Formula Chemical Properties

When strontium sulfate reacts with water (H₂O), it dissociates into strontium ions (Sr²⁺ ) and sulfate ions (SO₄²–), as indicated by the equation:

SrSO₄ + H₂O → (Sr²⁺ ) + SO₄²–

In the presence of chromate ions, strontium sulfate yields yellow strontium chromate through the following reaction:

Sr²⁺ (aq) + CrO₂^{− 4}(aq) →SrCrO₄(s)

These chemical and physical properties characterize strontium sulfate and its behavior in various reactions.

Uses of Strontium Sulfate

Strontium sulfate finds versatile utility in several domains:

Its role as a red colorant in ceramics and glass production enhances the visual appeal of these materials, adding vibrant shades to the final products.

In the field of art, strontium sulfate serves as a white artist pigment, contributing to the creation of unique and visually captivating works.

Strontium sulfate plays a vital role in the refining of zinc, a process that improves the quality and purity of this essential metal.

This compound is a crucial component in flares, where it contributes to their function, aiding in signaling, illumination, and other critical applications.