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Bryant Neal
Mr. Webb
Chemistry Honors
28 March 2014
Calcium nitrate
Calcium nitrate, commonly referred to as Norgessalpeter, is an inorganic compound
which is found in many different types of fertilizer. With a composition of 15.5% nitrogen and
26.5% calcium, this inorganic compound is commonly found as a tetrahydrate (Fertilizer
Brokerage). Throughout this essay is included background information and characteristics,
chemical and physical properties, types of bonding, safety measures, and uses for Calcium
nitrate. Calcium nitrate is a compound that is mainly found in fertilizers across the world, mostly
manufactured in Norway, and can become harmful if not handled correctly.
Crated by two elements, Calcium nitrate is a very soluble inorganic compound. It
dissolves quickly into water, which is why many fertilizers utilize the compound. While Calcium
nitrate is used worldwide in fertilizers and for other applications, it is mainly produced in
Norway. The mass production of calcium nitrate began in Notodden, Norway in 1905 and has
since relocated to Porsgrunn, Norway. The compound is formally known as calcium nitrate, but
it also goes by two other names: Norgessalpeter and Kalksalpeter. Calcium nitrate cannot be
found naturally therefore it has to be manufactured. To create and manufacture Calcium nitrate,
the compound formula Ca(NO3)^2 must be used (Wilbraham, Staley, Matta, and Waterman
527). .
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At a solid state, Calcium nitrate is colorless matter and very hydroscopic (Thorndike-
Barnhart). When measuring this colorless Calcium nitrate you must measure it as in an
anhydrous state, when it is completely dry and does not contain water. The density of Calcium
nitrate in the anhydrous state is 2.50 g/cm^3. Although, when this compound is put into alcohol,
acetone, or water it will dissolve into the liquid(s) making it weigh less. Therefore, the density of
Calcium nitrate in a dissolvable liquid will make the density of the compound less. As most
anhydrous would do, Calcium nitrate decomposes when trying to reach a boiling point. When
Calcium nitrate is in a tetrahydratatic state its boiling point is approximately 132 degrees
Celsius.. While you cannot boil Calcium nitrate in an anhydrous state, you can reach melting
points in both anhydrous and tetrahydrate states. In an anhydrous state the melting point is 561
degrees Celsius and as a tetrahydrate the boiling point is 42.7 degrees Celsius (Fertilizer
Brokerage).
The compound Calcium nitrate is formed by an ionic bond. Nitrate is derived from NH03
(which is where the N03 comes from in calcium nitrates compound formula), and when the
nitrogen separates from the hydrogen it forms nitrate (Douglass). Due to the fact that the ion
nitrate is being compounded with calcium they create an ionic bond. When Calcium nitrate is
formed, there are two nitrate ions and one calcium atom. Calcium has two valence electrons and
the nitrate ions are negatively charged because they have become ions. During the compounding
process, the two valence electrons from the calcium atom are transferred over to the two
negatively charged nitrogen ions (Thomas). This process creates a balanced and stable reaction,
ultimately creating the compound Calcium nitrate. Even though the process forms a stable and
balanced reaction, exposure to certain things, such as heat, can cause dangerous pressure to build
up.
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Calcium nitrate is a very stable ionic compound, yet it can still be very dangerous when
exposed directly to humans or to the wrong things. If Calcium nitrate is exposed to the eye one
must wash it out immediately and dont use any type of eye ointment or cream. When the ionic
compound is dangerously exposed to skin, one would wash the contacted area with running
water and non-abrasive and disinfectant soaps. An anti-bacterial solution may be needed in
serious cases (Ophardt). If the compound were to make contact in areas such as ones groin area,
an individual may want to use cold water and clean the affected area intensely. Inhalation of
Calcium nitrate is not good for the human body. If inhalation of the compound were to occur one
would have to seek medical attention immediately. If one does come in contact in any way with
Calcium nitrate, and cannot get the irritation to go away, they would need to seek medical
attention as soon as possible.
When Calcium nitrate is exposed to some substances it can become very dangerous and
possibly lethal to bystanders. The ionic compound is not combustible but it can ignite. It is a
strong oxidizer and its reaction heat with certain combustibles or reducing agents may cause an
explosion. Although, Calcium nitrate can, on occasion, be explosive by friction or shock. If
Calcium nitrate were to ignite, one could use any form of fire retardant to extinguish the fire
because it is not dangerously reactive to any known form of extinguishment.
The most common use of Calcium nitrate is in fertilizer. Its commonly used in fertilizer
for its ability to dissolve easily in water. Farmers and lawn care professionals worldwide use
fertilizers that contain Calcium nitrate because it can quickly get into water systems and into
plants and crops. Calcium nitrate is also commonly used in concrete. The calcium helps the
concrete set (dry and harden) at a faster rate, while the nitrate leads to formation of iron
hydroxide when mixed with concrete. The iron hydroxide created by nitrate helps the concrete
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form a protective outer layer. The protective outer layer reduces corrosion of the concrete
reinforcement. One last use of calcium nitrate is its role in cold packs/freezer bags. Calcium
nitrate as a tetrahydrate is highly endothermic. Due to the fact that it can easily retain the cold,
many reusable, freezable cooling products contain calcium nitrate.
Overall, Calcium nitrate has an interesting background, consists of calcium and nitrogen
ions, is an ionic bond, can be safe and dangerous, and has many uses. The combination of
calcium and nitrogen ions can do wonders for plant Earth. It is either fertilizing plants, stopping
concrete from corroding, keeping drinks cool, or many other things to help the human
population.