Is Strontium Carbonate Soluble in Water? A Complete Explanation
When studying inorganic compounds or working in chemical manufacturing, one common question arises: is strontium carbonate soluble in water? This question is especially relevant for industries such as ceramics, glass, pyrotechnics, and metallurgy, where strontium compounds play an essential role. In this article, we’ll explain the solubility characteristics of strontium carbonate, why it behaves this way, and how its properties affect its applications.
The Chemical Nature of Strontium Carbonate
Strontium carbonate (SrCO₃) is an inorganic compound consisting of strontium (Sr²⁺) cations and carbonate (CO₃²⁻) anions. It appears as a white, odorless powder and is one of the most common strontium salts found in nature.
Its molecular structure is ionic, but its lattice energy — the energy holding the ions together — is quite high, which directly influences its solubility in water.
Is Strontium Carbonate Soluble in Water?
The short answer is no, strontium carbonate is only slightly soluble in water.
At room temperature, its solubility is extremely low — approximately 0.011 g per 100 mL of water at 25°C. This means that only a very small amount dissolves, forming an equilibrium between solid SrCO₃ and dissolved Sr²⁺ and CO₃²⁻ ions.
However, under acidic conditions, the situation changes dramatically.
Why Strontium Carbonate Is Insoluble in Water
The low solubility of strontium carbonate can be explained by its ionic lattice energy and the hydration energy of its ions:
High lattice energy: The electrostatic attraction between Sr²⁺ and CO₃²⁻ ions is strong, making it difficult for water molecules to separate them.
Low hydration energy: The amount of energy released when water molecules surround Sr²⁺ and CO₃²⁻ ions isn’t enough to overcome the strong ionic bond.
As a result, strontium carbonate remains largely undissolved in neutral water.
Solubility in Acidic Solutions
While strontium carbonate is nearly insoluble in pure water, it reacts readily with acids such as hydrochloric acid or nitric acid. In these reactions, the carbonate ion reacts with hydrogen ions to form carbon dioxide gas and water:
SrCO3+2HCl→SrCl2+CO2↑+H2OSrCO₃ + 2HCl → SrCl₂ + CO₂↑ + H₂OSrCO3+2HCl→SrCl2+CO2↑+H2O
This reaction removes carbonate ions from the solution, which drives more SrCO₃ to dissolve. Therefore, in acidic environments, strontium carbonate becomes soluble due to chemical reaction rather than physical solubility.
Practical Implications of Its Solubility
Because of its limited solubility in water, strontium carbonate is widely used in applications where stability and slow reactivity are required:
Ceramics and glass manufacturing: Provides strontium oxide (SrO) when heated, improving mechanical strength and optical properties.
Pyrotechnics: Serves as a key colorant, producing brilliant red flames in fireworks.
Metallurgy: Used in refining and desulfurization processes.
Electronics: Acts as a precursor for producing strontium titanate and ferrite materials.
Its low solubility makes handling safer and reduces unwanted reactions in moisture-rich environments.
How to Handle Strontium Carbonate Safely
Even though strontium carbonate is relatively stable and non-toxic compared to other heavy metal carbonates, users should observe standard chemical handling precautions:
Avoid inhalation of fine dust.
Wear gloves and safety goggles when handling powders.
Store in a dry, tightly sealed container to prevent clumping and contamination.
Proper handling ensures both worker safety and product consistency in industrial processes.
Conclusion
So, is strontium carbonate soluble in water?
Not really — it is only slightly soluble under normal conditions. However, in acidic solutions, it dissolves readily due to chemical reaction. Its low solubility is precisely what makes it valuable across industries like ceramics, pyrotechnics, and metallurgy, where controlled reactivity and high-temperature stability are essential.
About E&M Industrial Limited
E&M Industrial Limited is a trusted global supplier of high-purity strontium carbonate and other industrial-grade chemicals. Our products are widely used in glass, ceramics, electronics, and specialty material applications. With strict quality control and reliable international logistics, E&M Industrial ensures consistent purity and performance for every batch.
If you’re looking for a dependable strontium carbonate supplier, contact E&M Industrial Limited today for technical data and customized bulk solutions.
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