Formula Cd(NO3)2 Density 3.6 g/cm³ | Molar mass 236.42 g/mol | |
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Appearance White crystals, hygroscopic | ||
Cadmium nitrate describes any of the related members of a family of inorganic compound with the general formula Cd(NO3)2.xH2O. The anhydrous form is volatile but the others are salts. All are colourless crystalline solids that absorb moisture from air and becomes watery, that is deliquescent. Cadmium compounds are also known to be carcinogenic.
Contents
Uses
Cadmium nitrate is used for coloring glass and porcelain and as a flash powder in photography.
Preparation
Cadmium nitrate is prepared by dissolving cadmium metal or its oxide, hydroxide, or carbonate, in nitric acid followed by crystallization:
CdO + 2HNO3 → Cd(NO3)2 + H2O CdCO3 + 2 HNO3 → Cd(NO3)2 + CO2 + H2O Cd + 4 HNO3 → 2 NO2 + 2 H2O + Cd(NO3)2Reactions
Thermal dissociation at elevated temperatures produces cadmium oxide and oxides of nitrogen. When hydrogen sulfide is passed through an acidified solution of cadmium nitrate, yellow cadmium sulfide is formed. A red modification of the sulfide is formed under boiling conditions.
When with caustic soda solution, cadmium oxide forms precipitate of cadmium hydroxide. Many insoluble cadmium salts are obtained by such precipitation reactions.