The Colours of Chromium from Rubies to Rolls-Royce, Anders Lennartson Explores the Colourful History of Chromium and Its Coordination Compounds

Total Page:16

File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb

The Colours of Chromium from Rubies to Rolls-Royce, Anders Lennartson Explores the Colourful History of Chromium and Its Coordination Compounds in your element The colours of chromium From rubies to Rolls-Royce, Anders Lennartson explores the colourful history of chromium and its coordination compounds. s a boy, I set up my own makeshift colour — by Louis Nicholas Vauquelin, laboratory in my parents’ who discovered the element in 1797. The Abasement. During my early metal was not an immediate commercial chemical investigations, I acquired some success. Fifteen years after its discovery, chromium(iii) chloride hexahydrate, Sir Humphrey Davy did not know much a green salt that gave an equally green about chromium or its compounds when solution when dissolved in water. When he wrote his famous text book Elements of I came back the next day, however, to my Chemical Philosophy, but he did remark great surprise I found that the solution was that chromic acid has a sour taste1. Tasting now a violet colour. How could that be, chemicals was obviously the order of the I wondered? OF PETRA RÖNNHOLM COURTESY IMAGE day, because in that very same year Jöns An important property of chromium(iii) Jacob Berzelius wrote in his textbook that complexes is that ligand exchange is slow. turns yellow. This colour change stems the aftertaste of the toxic chromic acid was 2 When I dissolved CrCl3∙6H2O — which is from the formation of potassium chromate, harsh and metallic . Berzelius also noted more properly represented by the formula K2CrO4, in which chromium is found in that the metal, although brittle, was very [CrCl2(H2O)4]∙Cl(H2O)2 — in water, it oxidation state vi. resistant to both acids and oxidation in air. slowly reacted with the solvent to give Other chromium(vi) compounds We now know that this property comes 3+ the violet-coloured [Cr(H2O)6] complex include the beautifully orange potassium from the fact that, when exposed to air, and free chloride ions. If I had had some dichromate, K2Cr2O7, red potassium metallic chromium forms a very thin, but chromium(iii) sulfate to hand, I would have trichromate, K2Cr3O10, and red dense, oxide layer on its surface. observed the opposite colour change; it chromium(vi) oxide, CrO3. The latter is In the 1820s it was found that addition 3+ exists as [Cr(H2O)6] in the solid hydrate, an acidic oxide, and its aqueous solutions of chromium to steel made it resistant to but when an aqueous solution of this are referred to as chromic acid — with rusting, but unfortunately the high carbon compound is heated, it turns from violet the addition of dilute sulfuric acid this content of the chromium available at the to green because of the slow dissociation becomes Jones reagent, used to convert time made these alloys brittle and useless of water ligands and coordination of alcohols to ketones or carboxylic acids. for practical applications. When methods sulfate ions. This property of Cr(iii) makes Acidic potassium dichromate is also used by developed such that carbon-free chromium it possible to isolate a wide variety of organic chemists for the same reaction, with was produced in the 1890s, the situation chromium(iii) coordination compounds, the added bonus that if a synthesis fails, a changed. Stainless steel, which typically 3+ 3+ and is why Cr , along with Co , was a solution of K2Cr2O7 in sulfuric acid can be contains 8% chromium and 18% nickel, big favourite amongst early coordination used to clean the dirty glassware, such is its soon became widely used, and it remains chemists like Alfred Werner. oxidizing power. one of the main applications of chromium In contrast to chromium(iii), It is now known that chromium(vi) today. The discovery, in the 1920s, that chromium(ii) complexes can exchange compounds are toxic and may cause a thin layer of shiny chromium could be their ligands rapidly, and addition of acetate cancer, but previously they were popular in electrolytically deposited on steel came as to blue CrCl2 solutions precipitates red pigments such as PbCrO4 and Pb2OCrO4 a delight to the automotive industry. What Cr2(OAc)4, a compound that has a Cr–Cr (chrome yellow and chrome red, would a 1930s Rolls-Royce Phantom II be quadruple bond. Chromium also exists in respectively). The colours of chromium without its chrome plating? ❐ higher oxidation states: black chromium(iv) have been highly admired since ancient oxide was used extensively in the good times — rubies are nothing but crystalline ANDERS LENNARTSON is at Chalmers old days of magnetic tapes because of aluminium oxide doped with chromium, University of Technology, Department of its ferromagnetic properties; unstable and pink hues in sapphires also originate Chemical and Biological Engineering, Polymer CrF5 (Cr(v)) is a volatile red solid. If from traces of chromium in an aluminium Technology, 41296, Gothenburg, Sweden. chromium(iii) oxide (also known as chrome oxide lattice. Emeralds, a form of beryl, e-mail: [email protected] green) is heated with potassium carbonate Be3Al2(SiO3)6, derive their green colour from and potassium nitrate, the mixture slowly small amounts of chromium. References It seems more than appropriate, 1. Davy, H. Elements of Chemical Philosophy Part 1 Vol 1, 463 (J. Johnson, 1812). therefore, that chromium was named after 2. Berzelius, J. J. Lärbok i Kemien Part 2 89 the Greek word chroma — which means (Henr. A. Nordström, 1812). Sc Ti V Cr Mn Fe Co Ni Cu Zn Ga Ge As Se Br Kr Rb Sr Y Zr Nb 942 NATURE CHEMISTRY | VOL 6 | OCTOBER 2014 | www.nature.com/naturechemistry © 2014 Macmillan Publishers Limited. All rights reserved.
Recommended publications
  • Photocatalytic Performance of Cuxo/Tio2 Deposited by Hipims on Polyester Under Visible Light Leds: Oxidants, Ions Effect, and Reactive Oxygen Species Investigation
    materials Article Photocatalytic Performance of CuxO/TiO2 Deposited by HiPIMS on Polyester under Visible Light LEDs: Oxidants, Ions Effect, and Reactive Oxygen Species Investigation Hichem Zeghioud 1 , Aymen Amine Assadi 2,*, Nabila Khellaf 3, Hayet Djelal 4, Abdeltif Amrane 2 and Sami Rtimi 5,* 1 Department of Process Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Badji Mokhtar University, P.O. Box 12, 23000 Annaba, Algeria; [email protected] 2 Ecole Nationale Supérieure de Chimie de Rennes, Université de Rennes 1, CNRS, UMR 6226, Allée de Beaulieu, CS 50837, 35708 Rennes CEDEX 7, France; [email protected] 3 Laboratory of Organic Synthesis-Modeling and Optimization of Chemical Processes, Badji Mokhtar University, P.O. Box 12, 23000 Annaba, Algeria; [email protected] 4 Ecole des Métiers de l’Environnement, Campus de Ker Lann, 35170 Bruz, France; [email protected] 5 Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, EPFL-STI-LTP, Station 12, CH-1015 Lausanne, Switzerland * Correspondence: [email protected] (A.A.A.); sami.rtimi@epfl.ch (S.R.) Received: 29 December 2018; Accepted: 22 January 2019; Published: 29 January 2019 Abstract: In the present study, we propose a new photocatalytic interface prepared by high-power impulse magnetron sputtering (HiPIMS), and investigated for the degradation of Reactive Green 12 (RG12) as target contaminant under visible light light-emitting diodes (LEDs) illumination. The CuxO/TiO2 nanoparticulate photocatalyst was sequentially sputtered on polyester (PES). The photocatalyst formulation was optimized by investigating the effect of different parameters such as the sputtering time of CuxO, the applied current, and the deposition mode (direct current magnetron sputtering, DCMS or HiPIMS).
    [Show full text]
  • Working with Hazardous Chemicals
    A Publication of Reliable Methods for the Preparation of Organic Compounds Working with Hazardous Chemicals The procedures in Organic Syntheses are intended for use only by persons with proper training in experimental organic chemistry. All hazardous materials should be handled using the standard procedures for work with chemicals described in references such as "Prudent Practices in the Laboratory" (The National Academies Press, Washington, D.C., 2011; the full text can be accessed free of charge at http://www.nap.edu/catalog.php?record_id=12654). All chemical waste should be disposed of in accordance with local regulations. For general guidelines for the management of chemical waste, see Chapter 8 of Prudent Practices. In some articles in Organic Syntheses, chemical-specific hazards are highlighted in red “Caution Notes” within a procedure. It is important to recognize that the absence of a caution note does not imply that no significant hazards are associated with the chemicals involved in that procedure. Prior to performing a reaction, a thorough risk assessment should be carried out that includes a review of the potential hazards associated with each chemical and experimental operation on the scale that is planned for the procedure. Guidelines for carrying out a risk assessment and for analyzing the hazards associated with chemicals can be found in Chapter 4 of Prudent Practices. The procedures described in Organic Syntheses are provided as published and are conducted at one's own risk. Organic Syntheses, Inc., its Editors, and its Board of Directors do not warrant or guarantee the safety of individuals using these procedures and hereby disclaim any liability for any injuries or damages claimed to have resulted from or related in any way to the procedures herein.
    [Show full text]
  • 1.1 10 Oxidation of Alcohols and Aldehydes
    1.1 10 Oxidation of alcohols and aldehydes By the end of this spread, you should be able to … 1Describe the oxidation of primary alcohols to form aldehydes and carboxylic acids. 1Describe the oxidation of secondary alcohols to form ketones. 1Describe the oxidation of aldehydes to form carboxylic acids. Key definition Oxidation of alcohols You will recall from your AS chemistry studies that primary and secondary alcohols can A redox reaction is one in which both reduction and oxidation take place. be oxidised using an oxidising agent. s !SUITABLEOXIDISINGAGENTISASOLUTIONCONTAININGACIDIlEDDICHROMATEIONS + 2− H /Cr2O7 . s 4HEOXIDISINGMIXTURECANBEMADEFROMPOTASSIUMDICHROMATE +2Cr2O7, and sulfuric acid, H2SO. During the reaction, the acidified potassium dichromate changes from orange to green. Remember that tertiary alcohols are not oxidised by acidified dichromate ions. Primary alcohols Primary alcohols can be oxidised to aldehydes and to carboxylic acids (see AS Chemistry spread 2.2.3). H H H O H O Oxidation Oxidation H CCOH H CC H CC H H H H H OH Primary alcohol Aldehyde Carboxylic acid Figure 1 Ethanol oxidised to ethanal, and finally to ethanoic acid The equation for the oxidation of ethanol to the aldehyde ethanal is shown below. Note that the oxidising agent is shown as [O] – this simplifies the equation. CH3CH2OH + [O] }m CH3CHO + H2O When preparing aldehydes in the laboratory, you will need to distil the aldehyde from the reaction mixture as it is formed. This prevents the aldehyde from being oxidised further to a carboxylic acid. Key definition When making the carboxylic acid, the reaction mixture is usually heated under reflux before distilling the product off.
    [Show full text]
  • Safety Data Sheet
    SAFETY DATA SHEET Preparation Date: 06/23/2015 Revision Date: 10/27/2015 Revision Number: G2 1. IDENTIFICATION Product identifier Product code: P1282 Product Name: POTASSIUM DICHROMATE, CRYSTAL, REAGENT, ACS Other means of identification Synonyms: Bichromate of potash Chromium potassium oxide (K2Cr2O7) Dichromic acid dipotassium salt Dipotassium bichromate Dipotassium dichromate Dipotassium dichromium heptaoxide Iopezite Kaliumdichromat [German] Potassium bichromate Potassium chromate (K2Cr2O7) Potassium dichromate Potassium dichromate (K2(Cr2O7)) Potassium dichromate (K2Cr2O7) Potassium dichromate(VI) SRM 935a CAS #: 7778-50-9 RTECS # HX7680000 CI#: Not available Recommended use of the chemical and restrictions on use Recommended use: Analytical reagent. In tanning, printing, painting, electroplating and pyrotechnics. Uses advised against No information available Supplier: Spectrum Chemical Mfg. Corp 14422 South San Pedro St. Gardena, CA 90248 (310) 516-8000 Order Online At: https://www.spectrumchemical.com Emergency telephone number Chemtrec 1-800-424-9300 Contact Person: Martin LaBenz (West Coast) Contact Person: Ibad Tirmiz (East Coast) 2. HAZARDS IDENTIFICATION Classification This chemical is considered hazardous by the 2012 OSHA Hazard Communication Standard (29 CFR 1910.1200) Product code: P1282 Product name: POTASSIUM 1 / 16 DICHROMATE, CRYSTAL, REAGENT, ACS Acute toxicity - Oral Category 2 Acute toxicity - Dermal Category 1 Acute toxicity - Inhalation (Gases) Category 2 Acute toxicity - Inhalation (Dusts/Mists) Category 2 Skin
    [Show full text]
  • Manufacturing of Potassium Permanganate Kmno4  This Is the Most Important and Well Known Salt of Permanganic Acid
    Manufacturing of Potassium Permanganate KMnO4 This is the most important and well known salt of permanganic acid. It is prepared from the pyrolusite ore. It is prepared by fusing pyrolusite ore either with KOH or K2CO3 in presence of atmospheric oxygen or any other oxidising agent such as KNO3. The mass turns green with the formation of potassium manganate, K2MnO4. 2MnO2 + 4KOH + O2 →2K2MnO4 + 2H2O 2MnO2 + 2K2CO3 + O2 →2K2MnO4 + 2CO2 The fused mass is extracted with water. The solution is now treated with a current of chlorine or ozone or carbon dioxide to convert manganate into permanganate. 2K2MnO4 + Cl2 → 2KMnO4 + 2KCl 2K2MnO4 + H2O + O3 → 2KMnO4 + 2KOH + O2 3K2MnO4 + 2CO2 → 2KMnO4 + MnO2 + 2K2CO3 Now-a-days, the conversion is done electrolytically. It is electrolysed between iron cathode and nickel anode. Dilute alkali solution is taken in the cathodic compartment and potassium manganate solution is taken in the anodic compartment. Both the compartments are separated by a diaphragm. On passing current, the oxygen evolved at anode oxidises manganate into permanganate. At anode: 2K2MnO4 + H2O + O → 2KMnO4 + 2KOH 2- - - MnO4 → MnO4 + e + - At cathode: 2H + 2e → H2 Properties: It is purple coloured crystalline compound. It is fairly soluble in water. When heated alone or with an alkali, it decomposes evolving oxygen. 2KMnO4 → K2MnO4 + MnO2 + O2 4KMnO4 + 4KOH → 4K2MnO4 + 2H2O + O2 On treatment with conc. H2SO4, it forms manganese heptoxide via permanganyl sulphate which decomposes explosively on heating. 2KMnO4+3H2SO4 → 2KHSO4 + (MnO3)2SO4 + 2H2O (MnO3)2SO4 + H2O → Mn2O7 + H2SO4 Mn2O7 → 2MnO2 + 3/2O2 Potassium permanganate is a powerful oxidising agent. A mixture of sulphur, charcoal and KMnO4 forms an explosive powder.
    [Show full text]
  • Chemical Compatibility Guide
    Chemical Compatibility Guide Guide Applicable to the Following: PIG Portable Spill Containment Pool Guide Information This report is offered as a guide and was developed from information which, to the best of New Pig’s knowledge, was reliable and accurate. Due to variables and conditions of application beyond New Pig’s control, none of the data shown in this guide is to be construed as a guarantee, expressed or implied. New Pig assumes no responsibility, obligation, or liability in conjunction with the use or misuse of the information. PIG Spill Containment Pools are constructed from PVC-coated polyester fabric. The chemical resistance guide that follows shows the chemical resistance for the PVC layer only. This guide has been compiled to provide the user with general chemical resistance information. It does not reflect actual product testing. Ratings / Key or Ratings – Chemical Effect 1. Satisfactory to 72°F (22°C) 2. Satisfactory to 120°F (48°C) A = Excellent D = Severe Effect, not recommended for ANY use. B = Good — Minor Effect, slight corrosion or discoloration. N/A = Information not available. C = Fair — Moderate Effect, not recommended for continuous use. Softening, loss of strength, swelling may occur. Due to variables and conditions beyond our control, New Pig cannot guarantee that this product(s) will work to your satisfaction. To ensure effectiveness and your safety, we recommend that you conduct compatibility and absorption testing of your chemicals with this product prior to purchase. For additional questions or information,
    [Show full text]
  • Perkin's Mauve: the History of the Chemistry
    REFLECTIONS Perkin’s Mauve: The History of the Chemistry Andrew Filarowski Those of us who owe our living in part to the global dyestuff and chemical industry should pause today and remember the beginnings of this giant industry which started 150 years ago today with William Perkins’ discovery of mauveine whilst working in his home laboratory during the Easter holiday on April 28, 1856. Prior to this discovery, all textiles were dyed with natural dyestuffs and pigments. What did Perkin’s Reaction Entail? William Henry Perkin carried out his experiments at his home laboratory in the Easter break of 1856. He was trying to produce quinine (C20H24N2O2). This formula was known but not the structural formula. Because chemistry was in such an early stage of development Perkin thought that by simply balancing the masses (simple additive and subtractive chemistry) in an equation he would obtain the required compound. He therefore believed that if he took two allyltoluidine molecules, C10H13N, and oxidised them with three oxygen atoms (using potassium dichromate) he would get quinine (C20H24N2O2) and water. 2 (C10H13N) + 3O C20H24N2O2 + H2O It is unsurprising to us now but Perkin reported “that no quinine was formed, but only a dirty reddish brown precipitate.” However, he continued in his trials and decided to use aniline (C6H5NH2) and its sulphate, and to oxidise them using potassium dichromate. This produced a black precipitate that Perkin at first took to be a failed experiment, but he noticed on cleaning his equipment with alcohol that a coloured solution was obtained. Perkin’s Patent W H Perkin filed his patent on the 26th August 1856 for “Producing a new colouring matter for the dyeing with a lilac or purple color stuffs of silk, cotton, wool, or other materials.” (sic) Patent No.
    [Show full text]
  • Reactions of Alcohols & Ethers 1
    REACTIONS OF ALCOHOLS & ETHERS 1. Combustion (Extreme Oxidation) alcohol + oxygen carbon dioxide + water 2 CH3CH2OH + 6 O2 4 CO2 + 6 H2O 2. Elimination (Dehydration) ° alcohol H 2 S O 4/ 1 0 0 C alkene + water H2SO4/100 ° C CH3CH2CH2OH CH3CH=CH2 + H2O 3. Condensation ° excess alcohol H 2 S O 4 / 1 4 0 C ether + water H2SO4/140 ° C 2 CH3CH2OH CH3CH2OCH2CH3 + H2O 4. Substitution Lucas Reagent alcohol + hydrogen halide Z n C l2 alkyl halide + water ZnCl2 CH3CH2OH + HCl CH3CH2Cl + H2O • This reaction with the Lucas Reagent (ZnCl2) is a qualitative test for the different types of alcohols because the rate of the reaction differs greatly for a primary, secondary and tertiary alcohol. • The difference in rates is due to the solubility of the resulting alkyl halides • Tertiary Alcohol→ turns cloudy immediately (the alkyl halide is not soluble in water and precipitates out) • Secondary Alcohol → turns cloudy after 5 minutes • Primary Alcohol → takes much longer than 5 minutes to turn cloudy 5. Oxidation • Uses an oxidizing agent such as potassium permanganate (KMnO4) or potassium dichromate (K2Cr2O7). • This reaction can also be used as a qualitative test for the different types of alcohols because there is a distinct colour change. dichromate → chromium 3+ (orange) → (green) permanganate → manganese (IV) oxide (purple) → (brown) Tertiary Alcohol not oxidized under normal conditions CH3 KMnO4 H3C C OH NO REACTION K2Cr2O7 CH3 tertbutyl alcohol Secondary Alcohol ketone + hydrogen ions H O KMnO4 H3C C CH3 + K2Cr2O7 C + 2 H H3C CH3 OH propanone 2-propanol Primary Alcohol aldehyde + water carboxylic acid + hydrogen ions O KMnO4 O H H KMnO H H 4 + CH3CH2CH2OH C C C H C C C H + 2 H K2Cr2O7 + H2O K Cr O H H H 2 2 7 HO H H 1-propanol propanal propanoic acid 6.
    [Show full text]
  • Potassium Dichromate Safety Data Sheet According to Federal Register / Vol
    Potassium Dichromate Safety Data Sheet according to Federal Register / Vol. 77, No. 58 / Monday, March 26, 2012 / Rules and Regulations Date of issue: 12/11/2014 Version: 1.0 SECTION 1: Identification of the substance/mixture and of the company/undertaking 1.1. Product identifier Product form : Substance Substance name : Potassium Dichromate Chemical name : potassium dichromate CAS No : 7778-50-9 Product code : LC18940 Formula : K2Cr2O7 1.2. Relevant identified uses of the substance or mixture and uses advised against Use of the substance/mixture : For laboratory and manufacturing use only. 1.3. Details of the supplier of the safety data sheet LabChem Inc Jackson's Pointe Commerce Park Building 1000, 1010 Jackson's Pointe Court Zelienople, PA 16063 - USA T 412-826-5230 - F 724-473-0647 [email protected] - www.labchem.com 1.4. Emergency telephone number Emergency number : CHEMTREC: 1-800-424-9300 or 011-703-527-3887 SECTION 2: Hazards identification 2.1. Classification of the substance or mixture Classification (GHS-US) Ox. Sol. 2 H272 Acute Tox. 3 (Oral) H301 Acute Tox. 4 (Dermal) H312 Acute Tox. 2 (Inhalation) H330 Skin Corr. 1B H314 Resp. Sens. 1 H334 Skin Sens. 1 H317 Muta. 1B H340 Carc. 1B H350 Repr. 1B H360 STOT RE 1 H372 Aquatic Acute 1 H400 Aquatic Chronic 1 H410 Full text of H-phrases: see section 16 2.2. Label elements GHS-US labeling Hazard pictograms (GHS-US) : GHS03 GHS05 GHS06 GHS08 GHS09 Signal word (GHS-US) : Danger Hazard statements (GHS-US) : H272 - May intensify fire; oxidizer H301 - Toxic if swallowed H312 - Harmful in contact with skin H314 - Causes severe skin burns and eye damage H317 - May cause an allergic skin reaction H330 - Fatal if inhaled H334 - May cause allergy or asthma symptoms or breathing difficulties if inhaled H340 - May cause genetic defects H350 - May cause cancer H360 - May damage fertility or the unborn child H372 - Causes damage to organs (kidneys, liver, Skin) through prolonged or repeated 12/11/2014 EN (English US) Page 1 Potassium Dichromate Safety Data Sheet according to Federal Register / Vol.
    [Show full text]
  • Potassium Dichromate
    SIGMA-ALDRICH sigma-aldrich.com Material Safety Data Sheet Version 4.5 Revision Date 04/04/2013 Print Date 03/19/2014 1. PRODUCT AND COMPANY IDENTIFICATION Product name : Potassium dichromate Product Number : 207802 Brand : Sigma-Aldrich Supplier : Sigma-Aldrich 3050 Spruce Street SAINT LOUIS MO 63103 USA Telephone : +1 800-325-5832 Fax : +1 800-325-5052 Emergency Phone # (For : (314) 776-6555 both supplier and manufacturer) Preparation Information : Sigma-Aldrich Corporation Product Safety - Americas Region 1-800-521-8956 2. HAZARDS IDENTIFICATION Emergency Overview OSHA Hazards Oxidizer, Carcinogen, Target Organ Effect, Highly toxic by inhalation, Toxic by ingestion, Highly toxic by skin absorption, Respiratory sensitiser, Corrosive, Teratogen, Mutagen Target Organs Lungs, Kidney, Blood GHS Classification Oxidizing solids (Category 2) Acute toxicity, Oral (Category 2) Acute toxicity, Dermal (Category 1) Acute toxicity, Inhalation (Category 1) Skin corrosion (Category 1B) Serious eye damage (Category 1) Respiratory sensitisation (Category 1) Germ cell mutagenicity (Category 1B) Carcinogenicity (Category 1B) Reproductive toxicity (Category 1B) Specific target organ toxicity - repeated exposure, Inhalation (Category 1) Acute aquatic toxicity (Category 1) Chronic aquatic toxicity (Category 4) GHS Label elements, including precautionary statements Pictogram Signal word Danger Hazard statement(s) H272 May intensify fire; oxidiser. H300 + H310 Fatal if swallowed or in contact with skin H314 Causes severe skin burns and eye damage. Sigma-Aldrich - 207802 Page 1 of 8 H330 Fatal if inhaled. H334 May cause allergy or asthma symptoms or breathing difficulties if inhaled. H340 May cause genetic defects. H350 May cause cancer. H360 May damage fertility or the unborn child. H372 Causes damage to organs through prolonged or repeated exposure if inhaled.
    [Show full text]
  • Potassium Dichromate Solution, 0.1M MSDS # 565.00
    Material Safety Data Sheet Page 1 of 2 Potassium Dichromate Solution, 0.1M MSDS # 565.00 Section 1: Product and Company Identification Potassium Dichromate Solution, 0.1M Synonyms/General Names: Potassium Dichromate, Water Solution Product Use: For educational use only Manufacturer: Columbus Chemical Industries, Inc., Columbus, WI 53925. 24 Hour Emergency Information Telephone Numbers CHEMTREC (USA): 800-424-9300 CANUTEC (Canada): 613-424-6666 ScholAR Chemistry; 5100 W. Henrietta Rd, Rochester, NY 14586; (866) 260-0501; www.Scholarchemistry.com Section 2: Hazards Identification Clear, yellow liquid, no odor. HMIS (0 to 4) Health 3 WARNING! Highly toxic by ingestion and known carcinogen. Strong oxidizing agent and body tissue Fire Hazard 0 irritant. Reactivity 2 Target organs: Kidneys, liver, blood. This material is considered hazardous by the OSHA Hazard Communication Standard (29 CFR 1910.1200). Section 3: Composition / Information on Ingredients Potassium Dichromate (7778-50-9), 3%. Water (7732-18-5), 97%. Section 4: First Aid Measures Always seek professional medical attention after first aid measures are provided. Eyes: Immediately flush eyes with excess water for 15 minutes, lifting lower and upper eyelids occasionally. Skin: Immediately flush skin with excess water for 15 minutes while removing contaminated clothing. Ingestion: Call Poison Control immediately. Rinse mouth with cold water. Give victim 1-2 cups of water or milk to drink. Induce vomiting immediately. Inhalation: Remove to fresh air. If not breathing, give artificial respiration. Section 5: Fire Fighting Measures Noncombustible solution. Oxidizing agent. When heated to decomposition, emits acrid fumes. 0 Protective equipment and precautions for firefighters: Use foam or dry chemical to extinguish fire.
    [Show full text]
  • Experiment 14: a Kinetic Study of the "Breathalyzer" Reaction
    1 Experiment 14: A Kinetic Study of the "Breathalyzer" Reaction Objective: In this experiment, you will study the kinetics of the reaction of ethanol and acidic potassium dichromate to determine whether the reaction is zero, first or second order with respect to dichromate concentration and to determine the rate constant of the reaction. Introduction In the 1960's, as concern over the increasing number of injuries and fatalities caused by drunken drivers began to rise, chemists looked toward the development of simple screening tests that could be used by police officers to determine the level of alcohol in the blood of a car operator. Drinking alcohol, referred to by chemists as ethanol, has the following chemical structure: H H H C C O H H H It can react with a variety of oxidizing agents to produce the compound acetaldehyde, which has the structure shown: H O H C C H H One oxidizing agent that will accomplish this transformation is potassium dichromate, K2Cr2O7. (See Tro, pp 1004-1008, for further discussion regarding alcohols and aldehydes.) Potassium dichromate produces a yellow solution when dissolved in acid. As an acidic solution of dichromate reacts with ethanol, the Cr(VI) species is reduced to a Cr(III) species, which is green in aqueous solution. The overall reaction is as follows: 2– + 3+ 3 CH3CH2OH + Cr2O7 + 8 H → 3 CH3C(O)H + 2 Cr + 7 H2O (1) yellow green Because the reaction is accompanied by this dramatic color change, it is possible to monitor it spectrophotometrically. In a “Breathalyzer”, a portable instrument used by the police to test alcohol levels in the blood, the breath is passed through an ampoule that contains an aqueous solution of K2Cr2O7 and sulfuric acid.
    [Show full text]