Characteristic

Cadmium nitrate describes any of the related members of a family of inorganic compounds with the general formula Cd(NO₃)₂•xH₂O,the most commonly encountered form being the tetrahydrate. The anhydrous form is volatile, but the others are colourless crystalline solids that are deliquescent, tending to absorb enough moisture from the air to form an aqueous solution. 

Chemical formula:Cd(NO₃)₂•4H₂O

Molar mass: 236,42g/mol

Appearance: White crystals, hygroscopic

Odor: Odorless

Density: 2.45 g/cm³ 

Melting point 59.5 °C (139.1 °F; 332.6 K) at 760 mmHg 

Boiling point 132 °C (270 °F; 405 K) at 760 mmHg 

Solubility in water:109.7 g/100 mL (0 °C);126.6 g/100 mL (18 °C);139.8 g/100 mL (30 °C);320.9 g/100 mL (59.5 °C)

Solubility: Soluble in acids, ammonia, alcohols, ether, acetone 5 g/L in methanol

Magnetic susceptibility (χ):−1.4·10−4 cm³/mol 

Crystal structure:Orthorhombic 

Application

Cadmium nitrate is used in manufacturing of cadmium salts, photographic emulsions, laboratory reagent and coloring glass. It is used for porcelain and as a flash powder in photography.