10124-37-5

  • Chemical Name: Calcium Nitrate
  • Molecular Formula: Ca(NO₃)₂
  • Molecular Weight: 164.09 g/mol
  • CAS Number: 10124-37-5 (anhydrous); 13477-34-4 (tetrahydrate)
  • EINECS Number: 233-332-1

Physical Properties

  • Appearance: White or light gray granular solid; hygroscopic.
  • Density: 2.50 g/cm³ (anhydrous); 1.9-1.82 g/cm³ (tetrahydrate).
  • Melting Point: 561°C (anhydrous); 42.7°C (tetrahydrate hydrates melt).
  • Boiling Point: Decomposes at 130-140°C.
  • Solubility: Highly soluble in water (121.2 g/100 mL at 20°C, 271.2 g/100 mL at 40°C); soluble in ethanol, methanol, and acetone.

Chemical Properties

  • Oxidizing Agent: Strong oxidizer; can accelerate combustion and cause explosions when mixed with organic materials.
  • Decomposition: Decomposes upon heating to form calcium oxide (CaO), nitrogen dioxide (NO₂), and oxygen (O₂).Ca(NO3​)2​→CaO+2NO2​+½O2​
  • Reactivity: Forms explosive mixtures with reducing agents like phosphorus, tin(II) chloride, and alkyl esters.

Uses

  • Agriculture: Used as a fertilizer (provides nitrogen and calcium) and for controlling blossom-end rot in tomatoes.
  • Industrial Applications:
    • Used in explosives, fireworks, and matches.
    • Used in the manufacture of incandescent mantles and as a corrosion inhibitor in diesel fuels.
    • Used in wastewater treatment, latex production, and refrigerant manufacturing.
  • Other Uses:
    • Used in hydroponic culture and as a fast-acting fertilizer for acidic soils.
    • Used in the production of other nitrates.

Safety and Hazards

  • Health Hazards: Dust causes mild irritation to eyes; ingestion is toxic.
  • Fire and Explosion Risk: Strong oxidizer; contact with organic materials can cause fires or explosions.
  • Storage and Handling: Store in a dry place, away from organic materials and reducing agents. Use protective equipment when handling.

Preparation

Calcium nitrate can be prepared by:

  1. Reacting calcium carbonate (limestone) with nitric acid:CaCO3​+2HNO3​→Ca(NO3​)2​+CO2​+H2​O
  2. Reacting calcium hydroxide with ammonium nitrate:2NH₄NO₃ + Ca(OH)₂ → Ca(NO₃)₂ + 2NH₄OH \] [^128^][^129^]

Packing and shipping