Strontium oxalate

Strontium oxalate is a compound with the chemical formula SrC₂O₄. Strontium oxalate can exist either in a hydrated form (SrC₂O₄·nH₂O) or as the acidic salt of strontium oxalate (SrC₂O₄·mH₂C₂O₄·nH₂O). Strontium oxalate is soluble in 20 000 parts of water; in 1 900 parts of 3.5% acetic acid, in 115 parts of the 23% acid, but less soluble in the 35% acid; readily soluble in diluted HCl or nitric acid.

Use in pyrotechnics

With the addition of heat, strontium oxalate will decompose based on the following reaction:

SrC₂O₄ → SrO CO₂ CO

Strontium oxalate is a good agent for use in pyrotechnics since it decomposes readily with the addition of heat. When it decomposes into strontium oxide, it produces a red flame color. Since this reaction produces carbon monoxide, which can undergo a further reduction with magnesium oxide, strontium oxalate is an excellent red flame color producing agent in the presence of magnesium. If it is not in the presence of magnesium, strontium carbonate has been found to be a better option to produce an even greater effect.

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