Potassium Dichromate Formula
Chemical formula of potassium dichromate:
Physical properties
Appearance
Potassium dichromate is typically a bright orange or red crystalline solid.
Molecular Weight
The molecular weight is approximately 294.19 g/mol.
Solubility
It is soluble in water, which is about 13 g/100 mL at 20 °C. It is less soluble in alcohol and insoluble in organic solvents.
Melting Point
The melting point is approximately 398 °C (748 °F).
Density
The density is approximately 2.68 g/cm³.
Odor
Potassium dichromate is odorless.
Hygroscopicity
It is hygroscopic in nature, indicating that it can absorb moisture from the surroundings.
Chemical properties
Oxidizing Agent
Potassium dichromate is a good and strong oxidizing agent and can thus be involved in redox reactions, more so in acidic conditions
Reduction
It can be reduced to chromium(III) ions in acidic solutions by losing oxygen
Reaction with Bases
In alkaline solutions, potassium dichromate can react to form chromate ions
Thermal Decomposition
On heating, potassium dichromate can decompose to potassium chromate and chromium(III) oxide, especially if it has been treated with sulfuric acid
Formation of Complexes
Potassium dichromate may form complexes with a rather wide variety of ligands which could change its reactivity and solubility.
Stability
This compound is relatively stable under standard conditions but decomposes due to strong heating and by the action of reducing agents.
Application
Oxidizing Agent
It is a powerful oxidizing agent that is used heavily in organic chemistry for a variety of reactions, one of which is the oxidation of alcohols to ketones and carboxylic acids.
Analytical Chemistry
It is applied in titrations. From titration, the concentration of the reducing agents can be calculated. Its use is majorly put to redox titration.
Pigment Preparation
It is a precursor in the preparation of some pigments, such as chrome yellow, among other chromium-based dyes.
Leather Tanning
Applied in the tanning processes of leather, where it is used to provide the material with preservation and makes it harder .
Corrosion Preventive
Used as a corrosion preventive in various industries, especially as a preservative for metal surfaces.
Electroplating
Used in electroplating in the coating of chrome layers in metals, in order to make them not easily subjected to corrosion and wearing in order to give a shiny appearance.
Photography
For a long time has been utilized in photograph processes, especially in the manufacture of paper for photos.
Wood Preservation
It is applied to wood for protection against fungal decay and insects.
Laboratory Reagent
It is widely used in the laboratory for several chemical analyses and experiments.
Conclusion
Potassium dichromate is a strong oxidizing agent, with several applications in chemistry, preparation of pigment, tanning of hides, and other industries. But this chemical has toxicity and carcinogenic properties that require utmost care during its handling and proper safety measures. Even these, however, do not present a reason for ceasing its usage in any industrial or analytical process, so awareness along with precautions is required.
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Frequently Asked Questions
The chemical formula for Aluminum Bromide is AlBr₃.
Aluminum Bromide is used primarily as a catalyst in organic synthesis, particularly in the bromination of aromatic compounds. It also has applications in the production of other chemicals and in certain types of chemical research.