The hydride strontium (SRH2) is a molecule that is formed with an atom of strontium (Sr) in the center and two hydrogen atoms accompanying. It is also known as strontium dihydride.
The formula that defines this compound is SrH2. Because strontium is a very large atom compared to the two of hydrogen, and due to its distribution, a molecule is generated with a dipole moment equal to zero.
This means that its geometry is equal to a straight line, that the charges are distributed equally and therefore it is nonpolar, and that it can mix with molecules of the same nature, such as carbon dioxide (CO2).
characteristics
Being a hydride, oxidation and reduction reactions can be carried out with this compound.
In addition, when interacting with water, hydrogen gas (H2) and strontium hydroxide Sr (OH) 2 are formed in solid state.
This strontium hydroxide is used in sugar refining and as an additive in plastics to stabilize its structure.
Furthermore, due to its natural affinity it is capable of absorbing polar gases such as carbon dioxide to form solids such as strontium carbonate.
The two compounds can be harmful to health if there is direct exposure to them, since they are irritating to the skin, eyes and respiratory system.
In case of unprotected contact, it is necessary to go to a doctor to carry out a health check.
Properties
It has a molecular weight of 89,921 g / mol, of which 87 g / mol are from strontium and the rest from hydrogen. Its formal charge is zero, so it is not an electrical agent.
It has a good affinity for non-polar substances, some examples of which are carbon dioxide and hydrocarbon derivatives such as methane.
Due to its weight, by forming bonds with some gases, the final product results in a solid.
Applications
Strontium hydride is not widely used because the properties it offers can be easily replaced by other compounds with greater accessibility than strontium.
If a rich source of this compound is found, it can be used to react with water and form strontium dihydroxide, which is used in the sugar and plastics industry as additives.
Despite not being well known, in research it is used with certain selectivity, especially in organic chemistry of heavy agents, in studies of energy balance, thermodynamics, lasers, light spectra, among others.
The uses of chemical compounds are a function of their chemical and mechanical properties, however, one of the most important factors in establishing these uses is the imagination of the human being and the technical capacity of the person who uses it.
It is important to have knowledge not only of the nature of the elements, but of all the fundamental concepts that exist in nature with disciplines such as mathematics, physics, chemistry and biology.
References
- Simon, P., Moroshkin, P., Weller, L., Saß, A., & Weitz, M. (2013). Towards redistribution laser cooling of molecular gases: Production of candidate molecules SrH by laser ablation. Paper presented at the, 8638 doi: 10.1117 / 12.2002379
- Peterson, DT, & Nelson, SO (1980). equilibrium hydrogen pressures in the strontium-hydrogen system. Journal of the Less-Common Metals, 72 (2), 251-256. doi: 10.1016 / 0022-5088 (80) 90144-7
- Shayesteh, A., Walker, KA, Gordon, I., Appadoo, DRT, & Bernath, PF (2004). New fourier transform infrared emission spectra of CaH and SrH: Combined isotopomer analyzes with CaD and SrD. Journal of Molecular Structure, 695, 23-37. doi: 10.1016 / j.molstruc.2003.11.001
- Ober, JA (2016). strontium. Mining Engineering, 68 (7), 72-73.
- Kichigin, O. (2006). Study of polymer chelating sorbents with o-aminoazo-o-hydroxy chelating groups and their use for the preconcentration and extraction of strontium from natural, potable, and industrial waters. Journal of Analytical Chemistry, 61 (2), 114-118. doi: 10.1134 / S1061934806020043