Chemical Formula for Potassium Chromate

Physical Properties

1. Molecular Weight

Nearly about 194.19 g/mol.

2. Color

Bright yellow crystals or powders are found.

3. Solubility

Highly soluble in water with a yellow solution

4. Density

Density is close to 2.73 g/cm 3.

5. Melting Point

Melts around 973 °C (1,783 °F)

6. Boiling Point

It decomposes before boiling, without a specific boiling point.

7. Odor

Odorless.

Chemical Properties

1. Strong Oxidizing Agent

It easily oxidized reducing agents like sulfides and ferrous ions, especially in acidic solutions.

2. Acid-Base Reactions

It is also able to change into potassium dichromate, in an acidic medium, which changes the color from yellow into orange.

3. Precipitation Reactions

It gives insoluble precipitates; for example, with barium ions, it gives barium chromate, which is largely applied to analytical chemistry.

4. Complex Formation

Potassium chromate also complexes with other metal ions, thus it also impacts its solubility and its reactivity.

5. Decomposes

It can also decompose on heating, producing toxic oxides of chromium.

The above properties make it useful for industrial application, but with care because of its toxicity.

Application

1. Analytical Chemistry

Potassium chromate is used as an oxidizing agent in redox titrations and demonstrates end-points by color change from yellow to green.

2. Pigment

This is also used as a bright yellow pigment for paints, inks, and plastics as part of colors in artistic and industrial applications.

3. Electroplating

Through electroplating, it builds on corrosion by providing protective coverings for metal surfaces.

4. Wood Preservation

Incorporated into wood preservatives to prevent fungal decay and insect attack, thereby extending the life of wood products.

5. Production of Chromates

A precursor for producing other chromium compounds used in numerous industrial applications.

6. Water Treatment

It is used in the oxidation of water pollutants in water treatment processes thereby improving the quality of water.

7. Laboratory Applications

It is used in the synthesis of organic compounds to oxidize alcohols to aldehydes and ketones in laboratories.

8. Electronics Industry

Used in metal surface treatments for the enhancement of coating adhesion as well as modification of surface properties for electronic products.

Conclusion

Potassium chromate although it is a very useful chemical for range of applications in several industries due to its high oxidizing character and ease of forming stable compounds with many substances, it is toxic to animal life and calls for some degree of care and control in handling and usage in order not to spread potential environmental and health hazards. Its utility in analytical and industrial uses has made it indispensable, while knowledge of the hazardous characteristics of this agent provides for cautioning use.