Calcium Nitrate Tetrahydrate, Calcium Nitrate Anhydrous, Lime Nitrate, Norwegian Saltpetre, Calcium Saltpetre, Calcium Dinitrate, 13477-34-4, 10124-37-5

Calcium Nitrate Tetrahydrate, Calcium Nitrate Anhydrous, Lime Nitrate, Norwegian Saltpetre, Calcium Saltpetre, Calcium Dinitrate, 13477-34-4, 10124-37-5

CALCIUM NITRATE (ANHYDROUS AND TETRAHYDRATE)

1. PRODUCT DEFINITION AND CHEMICAL IDENTITY

Note: Calcium nitrate is a highly water-soluble, inorganic salt that provides two essential plant nutrients—calcium and nitrate nitrogen—in a readily available form. The most common commercial form is the Tetrahydrate (4-hydrate, Ca(NO₃)₂·4H₂O) , which is preferred in agriculture, food, pharmaceutical, and industrial sectors. The anhydrous form is primarily used in industrial applications requiring high purity. As a strong oxidizer, care must be taken regarding storage and transport conditions.

2. PHYSICAL AND CHEMICAL PROPERTIES

3. CALCIUM NITRATE FORMS AND CAS NUMBERS

4. FUNCTIONAL PROPERTIES AND MODE OF ACTION

• Dual Nutrient Fertilizer (Agriculture – Most Important Use): The tetrahydrate form is a fully water-soluble fertilizer that provides two essential plant nutrients in a readily available form. Nitrate-nitrogen (NO₃⁻) promotes rapid vegetative growth, while water-soluble calcium (Ca²⁺) strengthens cell walls, prevents physiological disorders such as blossom end rot in tomatoes and peppers and bitter pit in apples, and improves fruit firmness and shelf life.

• Concrete Setting Accelerator: Shortens the setting time of concrete, especially in cold weather, enabling early strength gain. Unlike calcium chloride, it is non-corrosive to reinforcing steel, making it a safer alternative.

• Latex Coagulant: In the dipping production of latex products such as gloves and balloons, calcium ions destabilize the latex particles, causing a uniform film to form on the mould.

• Wastewater Treatment: Provides an alternative oxygen source (via nitrate respiration), preventing septic conditions and hydrogen sulfide (H₂S) formation in sewer systems; provides odour and corrosion control.

• Oxidizer (Industrial): Acts as an oxygen source in fireworks, match, and explosive formulations.

5. SECTORAL APPLICATIONS AND USAGE RATES

6. ALTERNATIVE NAMES AND SYNONYMS

7. ALTERNATIVES AND COMPARISON

8. SAFETY, STORAGE, AND REGULATORY INFORMATION

• GHS Classification (CLP Regulation):

  • Signal Word: Warning (as a strong oxidizer)

  • Hazard Statements: H272 (May intensify fire; oxidizer), H315 (Causes skin irritation), H319 (Causes serious eye irritation).

  • Precautionary Statements: P210, P220, P264, P280, P302+P352, P305+P351+P338, P332+P313, P337+P313, P370+P378, P501.

• NFPA 704: Health: 1, Fire: 0, Reactivity: 3 (OX) – It is a strong oxidizer.

• Storage:

  • Store in a dry and cool place, away from direct sunlight and moisture, in tightly sealed containers.

  • The anhydrous form is extremely hygroscopic; exposure to humid air will cause caking and liquefaction. The tetrahydrate form is relatively more stable.

  • Keep strictly separate from combustible materials, fuels, and reducing agents (e.g., organic matter, sulfur, metal powders) to prevent fire or explosion.

  • Store away from incompatible chemicals like pesticides and strong acids.

• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Use nitrile gloves, safety goggles, and a dust mask. Ensure adequate ventilation.

• Environmental Impact: Runoff from excessive agricultural use can lead to eutrophication of water bodies and nitrate contamination of groundwater.

9. FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Q1: What is the difference between the tetrahydrate and anhydrous forms?
The key difference is the water of crystallization content. The tetrahydrate (Ca(NO₃)₂·4H₂O) contains four water molecules per calcium nitrate molecule, making it less hygroscopic, safer to transport and store, and the most commonly used form in agriculture. The anhydrous form (Ca(NO₃)₂) is water-free, extremely hygroscopic, and preferred for high-purity industrial applications.

Q2: Why is calcium nitrate called "Norwegian Saltpetre"?
The Odda Process, developed in Porsgrunn, Norway, in 1905, was the first economical method to produce calcium nitrate on an industrial scale. Due to this historical connection, the product became known by the trade name "Norwegian Saltpetre."

Q3: How does calcium nitrate prevent blossom end rot in tomatoes and peppers?
This disorder is caused by a localized calcium deficiency in the developing fruit. Calcium nitrate provides readily soluble calcium that can be taken up immediately by the plant, ensuring a steady supply to the rapidly growing tissues and preventing the characteristic necrotic spots.

Q4: Is calcium nitrate flammable?
It is not flammable itself, but it is a strong oxidizer. It can intensify a fire when in contact with combustible materials. Therefore, it must be stored away from all flammable substances.

10. QUICK REFERENCE TABLE