Strontium Hydride (SrH2): What It Is, Characteristics, Properties And Uses
What is strontium hydride?
He strontium hydride (SrH2) It is a molecule that is formed with a strontium (Sr) atom in the center and two hydrogen atoms. 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 hydrogen atom, and due to its distribution, a molecule with a dipole moment equal to zero is generated. This means that its geometry is equal to a straight line, that the charges are distributed equally and, therefore, it is non-polar, and it can mix with molecules of the same nature, such as carbon dioxide (CO₂).
Strontium hydride characteristics
Being a hydride, oxidation and reduction reactions can be done with this compound.
When interacting with water, hydrogen gas (H2) is formed and strontium hydroxide Sr(OH)2 is formed in the solid state. This strontium hydroxide is used in sugar refining and as an additive in plastics to stabilize its structure.
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 see a doctor to carry out a check on the state of health.
Properties
It has a molecular weight of 89.921 g/mol, of which 87 g/mol are strontium and the rest hydrogen. Its formal charge is equal to zero, so it is not an electrical agent. It has a good affinity with non-polar substances, some examples of which are carbon dioxide and derivatives of hydrocarbons 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 ease of access than strontium. If a rich source of this compound is found, it can be used to react with water to form strontium dihydroxide, which is used in the sugar and plastics industry as additives. Despite not being well known, it is used in research with some selectivity, especially in organic chemistry of heavy agents, in studies of energy balance, thermodynamics, lasers, light spectra, among others.
