Crystal Structure and Thermal Properties of Racemic SrC4H4O6·4H2O Single Crystals

Single crystals of racemic strontium tartrate tetrahydrate, SrC4H4O6·4H2O, were grown at 308 K by a gel method using silica gel as the medium of growth. Differential scanning calorimetry, thermogravimetric-differential thermal analysis, and X-ray diffraction measurements were performed on the single crystals. The space group symmetry (triclinic P1(__)) and structural parameters were determined at room temperature. Weight losses due to thermal decomposition were found to occur in the temperature range of 370–1170 K, likely due to the evaporation of bound water molecules and the evolution of H2CO, (1/2)O2, and 2CO gases. The chalky white substance remaining in the vessel after decomposition was strontium oxide SrO. The crystal structure and thermal properties obtained were compared with those of racemic CaC4H4O6·4H2O reported previously.