Rubidium nitrate


Rubidium nitrate is an inorganic compound with the formula RbNO3. This alkali metal nitrate salt is white and highly soluble in water.

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.