SrOH2

SrOH2 is a strontium-containing compound that has been reported in a handful of academic studies, though it is not widely encountered in industrial chemistry. The formula indicates a single strontium atom coordinated to one hydroxide group and two hydrogen atoms, giving an overall charge balance for a neutral species.

This compound is believed to crystallize in a monoclinic lattice, with the strontium ion occupying a distorted octahedral site. The hydroxide ligand is bonded to the metal through an O–Sr single bond, while the two remaining hydrogens are thought to form separate Sr–H interactions, potentially indicating a mixed hydride–hydroxide character. The exact geometry is still under investigation, and X‑ray crystallography data are limited.

Because of the presence of both hydroxide and hydride ions, SrOH2 is considered a reactive species that can undergo proton transfer or hydrogenation reactions. Laboratory synthesis typically involves the solvothermal treatment of strontium carbonate with a base and a hydrogen source in a sealed ampoule at elevated temperatures (200–300 °C). The resulting product is isolated as a pale white solid and is reported to decompose upon exposure to moisture, releasing hydrogen gas.

Potential applications of SrOH2 are largely speculative. The compound has been mentioned as a precursor for strontium-based catalyst supports in catalytic hydrogenation and as a laboratory reagent for studying basic hydroxyhydride chemistry. Its reactivity also makes it a subject of interest for fundamental research into metal–hydrogen bonding.

Safety data for SrOH2 are not fully documented. Like other strontium compounds, it is presumed to pose moderate health risks if ingested or inhaled and may corrode metal surfaces. Protective equipment, such as gloves and eye protection, is recommended when handling the material.