Strontium Nitrate

Strontium nitrate undergoes a phase change upon heating. At temperatures above approximately 570°C (1060°F), strontium nitrate decomposes into strontium oxide (SrO), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), and oxygen gas (O2). The chemical reaction can be represented as: \[ \text{2 Sr(NO3)2} \rightarrow \text{2 SrO} + \text{4 NO2} + \text{O2} \] This decomposition reaction is used in pyrotechnics because the strontium oxide produced emits a bright red flame, making it useful as a red colorant in fireworks and flares.