Strontium

Name:
Strontium
Detailed information:

M Formula:	Sr
Properties:
Pale-yellow, soft metal; chemically similar to calcium. D 2.54, mp 752, bp 1390C. Soluble in alcohol and acids, decomposes water on contact.
Occurrence:
Ores of strontianite and celestite (Mexico, Spain).
Derivation:
(1) Electrolysis of molten strontium chloride in a graphite crucible with cooling of the upper, cathodic space; (2) thermal reduction of the oxide with metallic aluminum (strontium aluminum alloy formed), and distilling the strontium in a vacuum.
Grade:
Technical.
Hazard:
Spontaneously flammable in powder form, ignites when heated above its mp. Reacts with water to evolve hydrogen. Store under naphtha.
Use:
Alloys, “getter” in electron tubes.