Cadmium nitrate (CAS: 10325-94-7)

Basic Information

Cadmium nitrate describes any of the related members of a family of inorganic compound with the general 

formula Cd(NO3)2.xH2O. The anhydrous form is volatile but the others are salts. All are colourless crystalline

solids that absorb moisture from air and becomes watery, that is deliquescent. Cadmium compounds are also

known to be carcinogenic.

Uses

Cadmium nitrate is used for coloring glass and porcelain and as a flash powder in photography.

Preparation

Cadmium nitrate is prepared by dissolving cadmium metal or its oxide, hydroxide, or carbonate,

in nitric acid followed by crystallization:

CdO + 2HNO₃ → Cd(NO₃)₂ + H₂O

CdCO₃ + 2 HNO₃ → Cd(NO₃)₂ + CO₂ + H₂O

Cd + 4 HNO₃ → 2 NO₂ + 2 H₂O + Cd(NO₃)₂

Reactions

Thermal dissociation at elevated temperatures produces cadmium oxide and oxides of nitrogen. When

 hydrogen sulfide is passed through an acidified solution of cadmium nitrate, yellow cadmium sulfide

 is formed. A red modification of the sulfide is formed under boiling conditions.

When with caustic soda solution, cadmium oxide forms precipitate of cadmium hydroxide. Many

insoluble cadmium salts are obtained by such precipitation reactions.