Formula RbNO3 Melting point 310 °C Density 3.11 g/cm³ | Molar mass 147.473 g/mol Boiling point 578 °C Appearance White hygroscopic solid | |
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Rubidium nitrate is an inorganic compound with the formula RbNO3. This alkali metal nitrate salt is white and highly soluble in water.
Contents
Properties
Rubidium nitrate is a white crystalline powder that is highly soluble in water and very slightly soluble in acetone. In a flame test, RbNO3 gives a mauve/light purple colour.
Uses
Rubidium compounds have very few applications. Like caesium nitrate, it is used in infrared radiation producing pyrotechnic compositions as a colorant and an oxidizer, e.g. in decoys and illumination flares. It is also used as a raw material for preparation of other rubidium compounds and rubidium metal, for manufacture of catalysts and in scintillation counters. It is rarely used in fireworks to produce a red-violet colour.
Production
RbNO3 can be prepared either by dissolving rubidium metal, its hydroxide or carbonate in nitric acid.
RbOH + HNO3 → RbNO3 + H2O 2 Rb + 2 HNO3 → 2 RbNO3 + H2