SrCO3

Definition

SrCO3, or strontium carbonate, is a chemical compound that consists of one strontium atom bonded to one carbonate group. It is an important mineral that is found in nature and has various industrial applications.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. SrCO3 is a naturally occurring mineral that is found in the earth's crust, primarily in the form of the mineral celestine.
2. SrCO3 can be prepared by the reaction of strontium oxide (SrO) with carbon dioxide (CO2) or by the precipitation of strontium ions (Sr^2+) with carbonate ions (CO3^2-).
3. SrCO3 is a white, crystalline solid that is insoluble in water but soluble in acids, such as hydrochloric acid (HCl).
4. SrCO3 is used in the production of pyrotechnics, where it imparts a brilliant red color to flames, and in the manufacture of certain types of glass and ceramic materials.
5. SrCO3 is also used as a source of strontium in the production of various strontium compounds, which have applications in the fields of medicine, electronics, and agriculture.

Review Questions

• Describe the occurrence and natural sources of SrCO3.
  • SrCO3, or strontium carbonate, is a naturally occurring mineral that is found in the earth's crust, primarily in the form of the mineral celestine. Celestine is a sedimentary rock that is composed primarily of SrCO3, and it is the main commercial source of strontium. SrCO3 can also be found in small quantities in other minerals, such as aragonite and calcite, which are forms of calcium carbonate. The natural occurrence of SrCO3 is an important factor in its preparation and industrial applications.
• Explain the different methods that can be used to prepare SrCO3.
  • SrCO3 can be prepared through two main methods: the reaction of strontium oxide (SrO) with carbon dioxide (CO2), and the precipitation of strontium ions (Sr^2+) with carbonate ions (CO3^2-). The reaction of SrO and CO2 involves the direct combination of the two reactants to form SrCO3 as a solid product. Alternatively, SrCO3 can be precipitated by adding a source of carbonate ions, such as sodium carbonate (Na2CO3), to a solution containing strontium ions. The resulting precipitation of SrCO3 allows for the isolation and purification of the compound. Both of these methods are important for the industrial-scale production of SrCO3.
• Discuss the physical and chemical properties of SrCO3 and how they relate to its various applications.
  • SrCO3 is a white, crystalline solid that is insoluble in water but soluble in acids, such as hydrochloric acid (HCl). These physical and chemical properties of SrCO3 are directly related to its diverse applications. The insolubility in water makes SrCO3 a suitable material for use in pyrotechnics, where it can impart a brilliant red color to flames. The solubility in acids allows for the extraction and purification of strontium from SrCO3, enabling the production of various strontium compounds used in medicine, electronics, and agriculture. Additionally, the unique properties of SrCO3 contribute to its use in the manufacture of certain types of glass and ceramic materials, where it can improve the durability and optical properties of the final products.

Related terms

Strontium: Strontium is a soft, silvery-white alkaline earth metal that is reactive and readily forms compounds.

Carbonate: A carbonate is a salt or ester of carbonic acid, containing the carbonate ion (CO3^2-).

Alkaline Earth Metals: The alkaline earth metals are a group of six elements in the periodic table, including strontium, that have similar chemical properties.