Calcium Nitrate - Ca(NO₃)₂

Calcium nitrate can be described as an inorganic compound having the chemical formula Ca(NO3)2.

Another name for this compound is Norgessalpeter. In 1905, it was synthesized by the process of Birkeland–Eyde at Notodden, Norway. Also, it is a nitrate salt of Calcium that contains calcium, nitrogen, and oxygen. Calcium nitrate compound is either a whitish-grey or white-colored granular solid that absorbs the air's moisture and is found usually as a tetrahydrate compound - Ca(NO3)2.4H2O.

Structure of Ca(NO3)2 Molecules

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Preparation of Calcium Nitrate

Calcium nitrate can be prepared using various methods. The most common method used in preparing this compound involves the limestone treatment with nitric acid and the subsequent neutralization of the product, that is formed with ammonia. Also, this compound is produced as an intermediate during the process of nitro phosphate (which is commonly known as the Odda process).

Calcium nitrate compound is a complex fertilizer, where it can be prepared using any of the methods given below:

1. Usually, when calcium carbonate, called limestone, is treated with nitric acid, calcium nitrate is formed. The reaction can be given as follows.

Ca(NO3)2 + 2HNO3 → Ca(NO3)2 + CO2 + H2O

2. Calcium nitrate can also be formed when an ammonium nitrate solution is mixed with a solution of calcium hydroxide. The same reaction can be given as follows.

2NH₄NO3 + Ca(OH)2 → Ca(NO3)2 + 2NH₄OH

Calcium Nitrate (Ca(NO3)2) Properties

Chemical Data of Calcium Nitrate

Physical Properties of Ca(NO3)2

Chemical Properties of Ca(NO3)2

• On adding the calcium nitrate compound to sodium carbonate, the calcium carbonate precipitate is formed by leaving the sodium nitrate in the solution. The chemical equation can be given as follows.

Ca(NO3)2 + Na2CO3 → 2 NaNO3 + CaCO3

• And, on heating, it undergoes decomposition and releases oxygen and nitrogen dioxide. The chemical equation can be given as follows.

Ca(NO3)2 → CaO + 2 NO2 + ½O2

Calcium Nitrate Uses

Let us look at a few of the calcium nitrate uses:

• Calcium Nitrate is used as a fertilizer in agriculture and as an oxidizing agent in match manufacture.

• It is used in the light industry to prepare incandescent lamp chimneys and fireworks.

• Industrially, it is used in pyrotechnics and explosives industries.

• Used for storage quality improvement of crops by reducing bitter pit in apples.

• We can also use it as a raw material for making the other nitrate compounds.

Calcium nitrate is used in wastewater pre-conditioning for odor pollution control. In the wastewater system, the wastewater pre-conditioning is mainly focused on the development of anoxic biology. The sulphates’ metabolism ceases in the presence of nitrate, thereby preventing hydrogen sulfide production. Also, the simple degradable organic matter is ingested, which otherwise can cause downstream anaerobic conditions and odor pollution as well. The definition is also valid for surplus sludge treatment.

Especially in dipping processes, calcium nitrate is known to be a very common coagulant in latex production. Often, a part of the dipping bath solution contains the dissolved calcium nitrate. Also, the warm former is often dipped in the coagulation liquid, and a thin layer of the dipping liquid remains on the former. Calcium nitrate will break up the latex solution’s stabilisation when the former is dipped into latex, and also, the latex will coagulate on the former.

This compound is also used in the mixtures of molten salt. Because the dissolution of this compound in water is highly endothermic in nature, calcium nitrate is also used as a pack component. The tetrahydrate of this compound is used in the regeneratable cold packs.