Strontium nitrate Strontium nitrate Strontium nitrate is an inorganic compound made of the elements strontium and nitrogen with the formula Sr(NO). This colorless solid is used as a red colorant and oxidizer in pyrotechnics. Strontium nitrate is typically generated by the reaction of nitric acid on strontium carbonate. Like many other strontium salts, strontium nitrate is used to produce a rich red flame in fireworks and road flares. The oxidizing properties of this salt are advantageous in such applications. Strontium nitrate can aid in eliminating and lessening skin irritations. When mixed with glycolic acid, strontium nitrate reduces the sensation of skin irritation
Potassium nitrate food preservation, potassium nitrate has been a common ingredient of salted meat since the Middle Ages, but its use has been mostly discontinued because of inconsistent results compared to more modern nitrate and nitrite compounds. Even so, saltpeter is still used in some food applications, such as "charcuterie" and the brine used to make corned beef. When used as a food additive in the European Union, the compound is referred to as E252; it is also approved for use as a food additive in the United States and Australia and New Zealand (where it is listed under its INS number