Strontium nitrate


Strontium nitrate is an inorganic compound composed of the elements strontium, nitrogen and oxygen with the formula. This colorless solid is used as a red colorant and oxidizer in pyrotechnics.

Preparation

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

Uses

Like many other strontium salts, strontium nitrate is used to produce a rich red flame in fireworks and road flares. Unlike most other commonly used color-producing compounds, strontium nitrate emit light in almost the same range from their hydroxides and oxides as their chlorides, with the chlorides emitting a slightly deeper red. Combined with strontium nitrate's high strength as an oxidizer, extremely pure colors in the orange-red to red color range are attainable with simple compositions using it as both oxidizer and colorant.
Strontium nitrate can aid in eliminating and lessening skin irritations. When mixed with glycolic acid, strontium nitrate reduces the sensation of skin irritation significantly better than using glycolic acid alone.

Biochemistry

As a divalent ion with an ionic radius similar to that of, ions mimic calcium's ability to traverse calcium-selective ion channels and trigger neurotransmitter release from nerve endings. It is thus used in electrophysiology experiments.