Bischlorous acid strontium salt

Description

Strontium chlorite is not offered for sale commercially, due in part to the cost of strontium as compared to the same calcium salt which is just as effective as an oxidizing agent.

Physical properties

Strontium chlorite, Sr(ClO2)2, has the molecular weight of 155.072 g/mol. Its density is 2.61 g/cm3. Its CAS number is 14674-72-7. Its melting point is 757°C and it has a boiling point of 1484°C. Strontium chlorite can be prepared by reaction of chlorous acid with strontium carbonate:
SrCO3 (s)＋ 2HClO2 (aq)→Sr(ClO2)2·6H2O
It is a white granular solid and, if formed in solution, crystallizes as the hexahydrate. Like its calcium homologue, strontium chlorite is a strong oxidizing agent. It accelerates the burning of combustible materials, ignites on contact with potassium thiocyanate and reaction with chlorine yields explosive chlorine dioxide gas. Reaction with ammonia produces ammonium chlorite, which is shock sensitive. If mixed with finely divided metallic or organic substances, the combination is highly flammable and may be ignited by friction.