Strontium Sulfate Formula – Structure, Properties, Uses, Sample Questions

It is an alkaline earth metal that has a symbol of Sr and atomic number 38. It is a soft silver-white metallic and highly chemically reactive element. It forms a dark oxide layer when it is uncovered in the air. It is used in the refining of zinc and is also used as an ingredient in red signal flares. Strontium occurs naturally in the environment like rocks, soil, water, and air. The melting and boiling point of strontium are 777°C and 1377°C. Sulfate is one of the most widely available chemical compounds. It is mostly found in the environment and has atmospheric and terrestrial processes. It is basically a chemical compound that contains sulfur and oxygen atoms. It forms a salt with some elements like potassium, calcium, magnesium, sodium, etc. The molar mass of sulfate is 96.06 g·mol^-1. The melting and boiling of sulfate are 270.47°C and 623.89°C. 

Strontium Sulfate

Strontium sulfate (SrSO₄) is the sulfate salt of strontium, also known as the Celestine. It is basically a white crystalline powder and occurs in nature. It is soluble in dilute HCl and nitric acid, poorly soluble in water, and insoluble in ethanol. It is non-flammable in nature. Strontium sulfate has a pH of 7.9 means not more acidic, just nearby neutral. Sulfate is formed from Strontium (Sr²⁺) cation and Sulfate (SO₄²^–) anions. It is used as a red colorant in ceramics and Glass.

Strontium Sulfate formula

Strontium sulfate, also known as SrSO_4, is presented in this article. The molecule is formed from two strontium cations (Sr²⁺), and sulfur is the central atom. It is surrounded by four oxygen atoms for bonding, 2 of the oxygen atoms form S=O. Bonds and the other two form S-O- bonds. The molar mass of strontium sulfate is 183.68 g/mol. The chemical and molecular formula of strontium sulfate is SrSO₄.

Structure of SrSO₄

Strontium sulfate is an ionic compound in which strontium and sulfate are metal and non-metal, and strontium sulfate compound occurs in nature with white crystal powder.

Preparation of strontium sulfate

Strontium sulfate can be prepared by displacement of a soluble strontium salt, with another soluble sulfate salt, like ammonium sulfate, or we can add sulfuric acid to strontium hydroxide or carbonate by which strontium sulfate is formed.

(NH₄)2SO₄ + SrCl₂ → 2Cl(NH₄) + Sr(SO₄)

Physical Properties of SrSO₄

• It is a white crystal or crystalline powder.
• It has a melting point of 1,606°C.
• It is more soluble in dilute HCl and nitric acid.
• The molecular weight of SrSO₄ is 183.68 g/mol. 
• The density of SrSO₄ is 3.96 g/cm³.

Chemical Properties of SrSO₄

When strontium sulfate reacts with water H₂O, it gives (Sr²⁺) and ( SO₄²^–).

SrSo₄ + H₂o ⇢ (Sr²⁺) + SO₄²^–

When strontium reacts with chromate, it gives yellow strontium chromate.

Sr²⁺ (aq) + CrO₂⁻ 4(aq) ⇢ SrCrO₄(s)

Uses of Strontium Sulfate

• It is used as a red colorant in ceramics and glass.
• It is used as a white artist pigment
• It is used for refining zinc.
• It is also used for flares purposes.

Sample Questions 

Question 1: Why is strontium sulfate red?

Answer:

A scarlet-red color is added to the flame by strontium chloride. Metal salts involve in a flame give off light characteristics of the metal. It is also Because each element has an exactly defined line emission spectrum.

Question 2: Is strontium sulfate toxic?

Answer:

It is like odorless white crystalline powder. Decomposes on heating slowly. It produces toxic and corrosive fumes, including sulfur oxides.

Question 3: Is strontium a metal?

Answer:

It is a soft, silvery metal that burns in the air and reacts with water. It is best known for the brilliant reds its salts give to fireworks and flares. It is also used in refining zinc. 

Question 4: Is SrSo₄ a salt?

Answer:

Strontium sulfate (SrSO₄) is the sulfate salt of strontium. It is a white crystalline powder and occurs in nature as the mineral celestine. There is more salt made with the help of strontium like strontium chloride srcl₂ etc.

Question 5: how do you make strontium sulfate?

Answer:

Strontium sulfate can be prepared by displacement of a soluble strontium salt, like strontium nitrate or strontium chloride, with another soluble sulfate salt, like ammonium sulfate. Then we can add sulphuric acid to strontium carbonate and hydroxide then the strontium sulfate is formed.

Question 6: is strontium sulfate is flammable?

Answer:

Strontium sulfate is a soft metal like a white crystal best known for flare purposes it is not combustible but it forms flammable gas when reacting with water and damp air. So overall, it is not flammable.