Chromium trioxide

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CrO3-from-xtal-1970-chain-3D-balls

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Chromium trioxide is an inorganic compound with the formula CrO3. It is a dark-purple solid under anhydrous conditions, bright orange when wet and which dissolves in water concomitant with hydrolysis. Millions of kilograms are produced annually, mainly for electroplating. Chromium trioxide is highly toxic, corrosive, and carcinogenic.

Properties

Chromium trioxide is a oxidizing agent and a highly toxic and corrosive substance. When dissolved in water, it forms a strong acid known as chromic acid. The compound is a dark-purple solid under anhydrous conditions and turns bright orange when wet. Its ability to oxidize makes it a valuable chemical in various industrial processes, particularly in electroplating.

Production

The production of chromium trioxide involves the acidification of sodium dichromate with Sulfuric acid. This process yields chromium trioxide, which can be crystallized from the reaction mixture. The global production of chromium trioxide is significant, reflecting its widespread use in industry, particularly for chrome plating and manufacturing pigments.

Applications

Chromium trioxide is primarily used in the electroplating of metals to produce a thin, protective layer of chromium. This layer provides corrosion resistance, ease of cleaning, and increases surface hardness. Additionally, it is used in the manufacturing of chromium compounds and pigments for dyes, paints, and inks. Its oxidizing properties also make it useful in organic synthesis and as a component in cleaning and etching solutions.

Health and Environmental Hazards

Chromium trioxide is highly toxic, corrosive, and recognized as a carcinogen. It poses significant health risks upon inhalation, ingestion, or skin contact, including respiratory problems, skin burns, and increased risk of cancer. Environmental exposure to chromium trioxide can lead to contamination of water and soil, posing risks to aquatic life and ecosystems. Proper handling, storage, and disposal procedures are critical to minimize these risks.

Regulation and Safety

Due to its hazardous nature, the use and disposal of chromium trioxide are strictly regulated in many countries. Safety measures include the use of personal protective equipment (PPE), adequate ventilation, and training for handling hazardous materials. In the European Union, chromium trioxide is subject to authorization under the Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH) regulation, emphasizing the need for risk management measures in its use.

See Also

• Chromic acid
• Electroplating
• Carcinogen
• Oxidizing agent