Cadmium nitrate

Chemical properties

White, amorphous pieces or hygro- scopic needles. Soluble in water, ammonia, and alco- hol.

Physical properties

White crystal or amorphous powder; hygroscopic; density 3.60 g/cm3; melts at 350°C; very soluble in water, also soluble in alcohols.

The Uses of Cadmium nitrate

Cadmium salts, photographic emulsions, col- oring glass and porcelain, laboratory reagent, cad- mium salts.

Definition

ChEBI: An inorganic nitrate salt having Cd(2+) as the counterion.

Preparation

reparation Cadmium nitrate is prepared by dissolving cadmium metal or its oxide, hydroxide, or carbonate, in nitric acid followed by crystallization:
CdO + 2HNO₃ → Cd(NO₃)₂ + H₂O.

General Description

Odorless white solid. Sinks in water.

Air & Water Reactions

Water soluble.

Reactivity Profile

Mixtures of metal/nonmetal nitrates with alkyl esters may explode, owing to the formation of alkyl nitrates; mixtures a nitrate with phosphorus, tin (II) chloride, or other reducing agents may react explosively [Bretherick 1979 p. 108-109].

Hazard

Dangerous fire and explosion hazard.

Health Hazard

Inhalation of fumes can produce coughing, chest constriction, headache, nausea, vomiting, pneumonitis. Chronic poisoning is characterized by emphysema and kidney injury. Ingestion causes gastrointestinal disturbance and severe toxic symptoms; both kidney and liver injuries may occur. Contact with eyes causes irritation.

Safety Profile

Confirmed human carcinogen. Poison by ingestion and possibly other routes. Moderately toxic by inhalation. Mutation data reported. When heated to decomposition it emits very toxic fumes of Cd and NOx. See also CADMIUM COMPOUNDS and NITRATES.