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Strontium Chloride is a white, crystalline compound with the chemical formula SrCl2. SrCl2 is a highly water-soluble salt, with a melting point of 769 °C and a boiling point of 1484 °C.
- It is also hygroscopic, meaning it absorbs moisture from the air.
- Strontium Chloride is a strong electrolyte, meaning that it completely dissociates into its ions in water.
- SrCl2 can be prepared by reacting strontium hydroxide or strontium carbonate with hydrochloric acid.
- SrCl2 has a crystal structure that is closely related to that of calcium chloride (CaCl2).
- Strontium Chloride consists of a three-dimensional network of strontium cations and chloride anions.
Key Terms: Strontium Chloride, Salt, Inorganic Compound, SrCl2, Crystalline Compound, Strontium, Aqueous Solution
What is Strontium Chloride?
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Strontium Chloride is a salt of Strontium and Chloride with the chemical formula SrCl2. It is an odorless crystalline white substance that is used in the treatment of gums and is the main ingredient in the preparation of toothpaste. It also emits red color on reaction with specific components so used in fireworks.
Strontium Chloride
Here are some key points about strontium chloride:
- Chemical Formula: Strontium Chloride has the chemical formula SrCl2.
- Uses: SrCl2 is used in a wide range of applications, including in the production of red fireworks, in the manufacture of certain types of glass, in the treatment of osteoporosis, and in the production of certain types of ceramics. It is also used as a reagent in laboratory research and as a source of strontium ions in chemical analysis.
- Safety and Handling: Strontium chloride should be handled with care as it can be harmful if ingested or inhaled. It should be stored in a cool, dry place and away from heat sources, and should be handled with gloves and safety goggles.
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| Relevant Concepts | ||
|---|---|---|
| Mercuric Chloride | Rubidium | Potassium Chromate |
| Magnesium Chloride Formula | Chlorine | Calcium |
Strontium Chloride Structure
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Strontium Chloride substance shows adaptations in solid and vapor phases. Crystalline strontium chloride adopts a fluorite-like structure whereas in the vapor phase it represents a non-linear structure having Cl-Sr-Cl bonds at an angle of 130 degrees. According to VSEPR theory, it predicts a linear structure, so it is considered as an exception for VSEPR theory.
Structure of Strontium Chloride
Properties of Strontium Chloride
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The Physical and Chemical Properties of Strontium Chloride are as follows:
Physical Properties of Strontium Chloride
The Physical properties of the Strontium Chloride are as follows:
| Physical Properties of Strontium Chloride | |
|---|---|
| Density | 3.05 gm/m3 |
| Odor | Odorless |
| Appearance | White Crystalline Solid |
| Molecular Weight | 158.53 gm/mol |
| Vapor Pressure | 25 degrees in 8.37mm |
| Solubility | Soluble in Water; Slightly Soluble in Alcohol |
| Boiling Point | 1,250 Degree Celsius |
| Heat of Solution | -750 Cal |
Chemical Properties of Strontium Chloride
Strontium Chloride on reaction with fluorine and sulfuric acid produces chlorides, sulfates, and fluorides.
(I) Strontium chloride on reaction with fluorine gas produces chlorine gas and strontium fluoride.
SrCl2(aqueous) + 2HF(gas) \( \rightarrow\) SrF2(solid) + Cl2(gas)
(II) Strontium chloride on reaction with sulfuric acid forms hydrogen chloride and strontium hydrogen sulfate.
SrCl2 + 2H2SO4 \( \rightarrow\) Sr(HSO4)2 + 2HCl
Preparation of Strontium Chloride
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Strontium chloride can be prepared by treating aqueous strontium hydroxide solution or strontium carbonate with hydrochloric acid.
Sr(OH)2 + 2HCl \( \rightarrow\) SrCl2 + 2H2O
Crystallization of this cold aqueous solution gives the corresponding hexahydrate that is SrCl2. 6H2O. Dehydration of salt occurs above 61 degrees. A white crystalline substrate of strontium is formed from the above reactions.
Uses of Strontium Chloride
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The various uses of the Strontium Chloride are as follows:
- Strontium Chloride is used in treatment of hypersensitivity, gum bleeding, and dental cavities.
- It works as protection over teeth against acidic solutions.
- It is often used as a red coloring agent in Pyrotechnics.
- It is used in glassmaking and metallurgy techniques.
- Calcium strontium also plays a major role in the preparation of new bones in our body.
- It is also used to treat many bone pains and other related diseases.
- Strontium chloride consists of radioisotopes that deliver radiation to cancer sites and ultimately decrease the pain in the affected area.
- It is used to deal with dental hypersensitivity and is used in toothpaste formulations to relieve pain and sensitivity of gums.
- It is used to store ammonia at low pressure and used in mass production of many other salts and also used in emission reduction of gases by automobiles.
- It induces the pathogenic activation of oocytes, which are widely used for biological research purposes for the identification of various compounds.
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Things to Remember
- Strontium Chloride is a typical salt of strontium and chlorine with the IUPAC name Strontium Dichloride.
- The chemical formula of Strontium Chloride is SrCl2.
- It is highly water-soluble and absorbs moisture from the air.
- SrCl2 dissociates into its ions in water.
- SrCl2 can be prepared by reacting strontium hydroxide or strontium carbonate with hydrochloric acid.
- SrCl2 has a crystal structure that is closely related to that of calcium chloride (CaCl2).
- It is used in the treatment of osteoporosis, and in the production of certain types of ceramics.
Sample Questions
Ques. What is Strontium Chloride? List its properties. (5 Marks)
Ans. Strontium chloride (SrCl2) is a white, crystalline compound that is highly soluble in water. It is commonly used in the production of strontium compounds, such as strontium carbonate and strontium nitrate, which are used in the manufacture of fireworks and flares.
- Strontium chloride is also used in the treatment of osteoporosis and bone disorders, as strontium ions can substitute for calcium ions in bones, leading to increased bone density.
- It is a salt composed of positively charged strontium ions and negatively charged chloride ions.
- Strontium chloride is hygroscopic in nature, which means it absorbs moisture from the air.
- It has a relatively high melting point of 889 °C and a boiling point of 1484 °C.
- Strontium chloride is also used in the production of glass for color television tubes, as it can give the glass a red color.
- The compound is also used as an analytical reagent and in the production of other strontium compounds.
- Strontium chloride is also used in dental care products as a tooth desensitizer.
- The compound is toxic when ingested and can cause irritation to the eyes and skin. It should be handled with care and proper protective equipment should be used when handling it.
Ques. Is Strontium Chloride highly toxic? (3 Marks)
Ans. Strontium chloride is not highly toxic but ingestion causes many gastrointestinal problems, contact with eyes irritates, and may affect the respiratory system, skin.
- It is completely safe for oral intake without side effects.
- When a person is highly exposed to strontium substance it will slowly penetrate through his/her skin causing skin irritation and burns which can be cured with rubbing over oil or water, must be careful in case of eye contact.
- It is not carcinogenic but causes a lot of pain and irritation when exposed to eyes.
Ques. Explain the solubility of Strontium Chloride. (5 Marks)
Ans. Strontium chloride is excellent soluble in water and can react with other chlorides.
- Sea aquaria use a small amount of strontium chloride which is used for the production of exoskeletons in certain planktons.
- This anhydrous substance in reaction with water forms some hydrates.
- Drinking water also has a minimum limit of strontium chloride, consuming up to that will not affect as it is much similar to calcium in our bones, but more than that will result in skeletal problems and other diseases.
- Mining and manufacturing activities will tend to increase strontium content in water.
Ques. State some physical properties of Strontium? (5 Marks)
Ans. The physical properties of Strontium are as follows:
- Strontium is an alkaline earth metal with a chemical formula Sr.
- It is a silver-white-yellowish metallic element that is chemically highly reactive and forms a dark oxide layer when exposed to air.
- Some of the strontium components in reaction with water produce flammable and toxic gasses.
- It is denoted with the sr symbol with atomic number38, it is mostly solid at room temperature but tends to form more compounds on reaction with air and water.
- Small amounts of Strontium chloride are not harmful to the body.
Ques. Explain the structure of Strontium Chloride. (5 Marks)
Ans. Strontium chloride (SrCl2) is a salt composed of strontium and chlorine ions.
- The strontium cation (Sr2+) has a +2 charge, and the chloride anion (Cl-) has a -1 charge.
- Strontium and chlorine atoms are arranged in a crystal lattice structure.
- In the solid state, strontium chloride exists in the form of a cubic crystal structure.
- The strontium cations are located at the center of the cube and the chlorine anions are located at the corners of the cube.
- The crystal structure is held together by ionic bonds formed between the positively charged strontium cations and the negatively charged chlorine anions.
- The crystal lattice is highly orderly, with all the ions arranged in a regular pattern.
- Strontium chloride can also be found in various hydrated forms, such as SrCl2·6H2O (strontium chloride hexahydrate) which is commonly used in laboratory settings.
Ques. Explain the uses of Strontium Chloride? (5 Marks)
Ans. The uses of the Strontium Chloride are as follows:
- Strontium chloride is commonly used as a source of strontium ions in various chemical reactions.
- It is also used as a flame colorant in pyrotechnics, providing a red color to fireworks and flares.
- In the medical field, strontium chloride is used as a dietary supplement for the treatment of osteoporosis and as an ingredient in toothpaste to reduce tooth sensitivity.
- Strontium chloride is used in the production of certain types of glass, such as optical glass and specialty glass for LCD displays.
- It is also used in the production of certain types of ceramics, such as electronic ceramics.
- It is used as a reagent in the laboratory for the analysis of strontium and other elements.
- It is used in the production of certain pigments and dyes.
- Strontium chloride is also used as a catalytic agent in certain chemical reactions.
- It is also used in the production of fertilizers.
- Strontium chloride is also used as a treatment for certain medical conditions such as bone cancer and osteoporosis.
Ques. How to get rid of excess Strontium inside our bodies? (3 Marks)
Ans. Strontium is eliminated from the body through sweat, urine, and feces. Elimination is mainly done through the urine for large amounts of strontium and in small amounts.
- It is released by bones but not recaptured.
- One dose of strontium stays for 7 years in the body which is slowly immersed into bones.
- Following a diet with equimolar sulfate and barium can reduce the high contents of strontium inside our body.
- Whenever there is a high strontium content in our body, avoid seafood as there is a rich content of strontium in them.
Ques. Which of the following isotopes of strontium is used for the treatment of bone cancer? (1 Marks)
(A) Strontium-69
(B) Strontium-45
(C) Strontium-89
(D) Strontium-45
Ans. (C) Strontium-89 is used in the treatment of bone cancers.
Ques. Which foods are rich in Strontium? (5 Marks)
Ans. Strontium is present in the following food:
- Leafy vegetables, grains, pulses are rich in strontium, and as seawater is also rich in strontium chloride sea vegetables and animals also have a rich quantity of strontium chloride and dairy products are also rich in these.
- It also helps in the growth of new bones and the development, repair process. Whole milk, meat bran, milk, poultry, root vegetables along with cheese.
- The foods which add calcium to our body are useful for building up strontium content too in our body.
- Whole grains, some spices, spinach, and kale have a considerable amount of strontium content helpful for bones in the body.
Ques. List all the warnings that rise by the intake of strontium? (5 Marks)
Ans. Strontium intake should be avoided by individuals with a history of bone cancer or prostate cancer. Strontium supplements can interfere with the absorption of calcium, leading to a decrease in bone density and an increased risk of osteoporosis. High doses of strontium can cause stomach upset, diarrhea, and nausea
- Long-term use of strontium supplements can lead to the accumulation of strontium in the body, which can be harmful
- Strontium supplements should not be taken by pregnant or breastfeeding women without consulting a doctor.
- It may interact with some medications such as bisphosphonates, which are used to treat osteoporosis.
- Strontium supplements may cause test interference with some types of bone scans.
- it should not be taken with antacids and calcium supplements as it can decrease their effectiveness.
- Individuals with kidney or liver disease should consult a doctor before taking strontium supplements.
- Strontium supplements should not be taken by children without consulting a doctor
- Strontium supplements have not been adequately tested in people with a history of heart disease, high blood pressure, or diabetes.
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