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Calcium nitrate

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Identification
Molecular formula
Ca(NO3)2
CAS number
10124-37-5
IUPAC name
calcium;dinitrate
State
State

At room temperature, calcium nitrate is a solid. Its ability to absorb moisture from the air often results in a moist or slightly damp solid in humid environments.

Melting point (Celsius)
42.70
Melting point (Kelvin)
315.85
Boiling point (Celsius)
132.00
Boiling point (Kelvin)
405.15
General information
Molecular weight
164.09g/mol
Molar mass
164.0880g/mol
Density
2.3600g/cm3
Appearence

Calcium nitrate is a white to whitish-gray crystalline solid that is typically found in a tetrahydrate form. It is highly soluble in water and can often appear as colorless monoclinic prismatic crystals when hydrated. The compound absorbs moisture from the air, which can lead to a deliquescent appearance.

Comment on solubility

Solubility of Calcium Dinitrate

Calcium dinitrate, with the chemical formula Ca(NO3)2, displays interesting solubility characteristics that are noteworthy for various applications:

  • Water Solubility: Calcium dinitrate is highly soluble in water. In fact, it dissolves readily, making it an excellent candidate for use in aqueous solutions.
  • Dissociation: Upon dissolution, calcium dinitrate completely dissociates into calcium ions (Ca2+) and nitrate ions (NO3-), which can enhance its utility in nutrient solutions and fertilizers.
  • Temperature Effects: The solubility of calcium dinitrate may increase with rising temperature, which can be a critical factor to consider in industrial and laboratory settings.

As noted, "The solubility of salts can vary significantly based on temperature and concentration," and calcium dinitrate is no exception.

In summary, the high solubility of calcium dinitrate in water, combined with its dissociation into relevant ions, contributes to its relevance in chemical processes, agriculture, and more.

Interesting facts

Interesting Facts about Calcium Dinitrate

Calcium dinitrate, a calcium salt of nitric acid, plays a significant role in various chemical and agricultural applications. Here are some intriguing aspects of this compound:

  • Essential Fertilizer: Calcium dinitrate is widely recognized as a valuable fertilizer. It provides both calcium, which is vital for plant health, and nitrogen, essential for growth and development. This dual contribution makes it especially effective for enhancing crop yields.
  • Role in Soil Health: The calcium from calcium dinitrate helps to amend soil structure, improving drainage and nutrient retention. Additionally, it can help to reduce soil acidity, creating a more favorable growth environment for many plants.
  • Stability and Storage: Being hygroscopic in nature, calcium dinitrate can absorb moisture from the air. This property necessitates careful handling and storage to prevent clumping and ensure efficacy in agricultural use.
  • Environmental Impact: While providing benefits in agricultural practices, it is crucial to monitor its use. Over-fertilization can lead to runoff, which may contribute to water pollution and the eutrophication of aquatic ecosystems.
  • Chemical Reactions: Calcium dinitrate can participate in various chemical reactions, particularly in the presence of acids and bases. For instance, it can react with sodium carbonate to produce calcium carbonate and sodium nitrate, showcasing its role in intricate chemical pathways.

In conclusion, calcium dinitrate is not only important for agricultural productivity but also plays a vital role in the chemistry of soils and the environment. Understanding its properties and applications can help us utilize this compound sustainably and effectively.

Synonyms
CALCIUM NITRATE
10124-37-5
Calcium dinitrate
Lime nitrate
Nitric acid, calcium salt
Norwegian saltpeter
Norge saltpeter
Lime saltpeter
Calcium saltpeter
Saltpeter [Norway]
Synfat 1006
Calcium(II) nitrate (1:2)
HSDB 967
EINECS 233-332-1
NF52F38N1N
DTXSID1039719
CHEBI:64205
Nitric acid calcium salt (2:1)
anhydrous calcium nitrate
Nitric acid, calcium salt (2:1)
CALCIUM NITRATE [MI]
CALCIUM NITRATE [HSDB]
DTXCID9019719
EC 233-332-1
SALTPETER (NORWAY)
Calcium nitrate, containing in the anhydrous state more than 16 per cent by weight of nitrogen
10124-37-5(anhydrous)13477-34-4(tetrahydrate)
Calcium standard for AAS
Calcium nitric acid
Calcium (II) nitrate
CALCIUM NITRATE (CA(NO3)2)
233-332-1
calcium;dinitrate
Nitrocalcite
10124-37-5(anhydrous); 13477-34-4(tetrahydrate)
UNII-NF52F38N1N
calcium nitrate salt
Ca(NO3)2
SCHEMBL21307
CHEMBL3183960
BCP25810
Tox21_300814
AKOS015913857
Calcium nitrate [UN1454] [Oxidizer]
NCGC00248379-01
NCGC00254718-01
CAS-10124-37-5
NS00093508
Q407392
Calcium standard for AAS, analytical standard, ready-to-use, traceable to BAM, in nitric acid