Chrome yellow

Chrome Yellow is a pigment that was widely used in the 19th and early 20th centuries. It is a lead(II) chromate, with the chemical formula PbCrO4. It is also known as "Paris yellow," "yellow chrome," and "chrome lemon."

History

Chrome yellow was first synthesized in the early 19th century by mixing solutions of lead(II) nitrate and potassium chromate. The bright yellow precipitate that formed was then washed and dried. This pigment was first used in painting in the 1820s, and quickly became popular due to its bright, vibrant color.

Characteristics

Chrome yellow is a bright yellow pigment that is opaque and has excellent covering power. It is also highly lightfast, meaning it does not fade when exposed to light. However, it is toxic due to its lead content, and can darken or turn greenish when exposed to sulfur compounds or ultraviolet light.

Uses

Chrome yellow was widely used in oil painting and watercolor painting, as well as in printing and textile dyeing. It was also used in the manufacture of colored glass and ceramics. However, due to its toxicity and instability, it has largely been replaced by safer and more stable yellow pigments.

Health and safety

Due to its lead content, chrome yellow is toxic if ingested or inhaled. It can cause lead poisoning, which can lead to a variety of health problems including neurological damage and kidney failure. Therefore, it should be handled with care, and protective measures should be taken to prevent exposure.

See also

• Lead(II) chromate
• Pigment
• Lead poisoning