Knowra Potassium dichromate Potassium dichromate Potassium dichromate is an orange crystalline inorganic salt, K₂Cr₂O₇, that acts as a strong oxidizing agent. Its chromium is in the toxic, carcinogenic +6 oxidation state.
Dichromate ion : The Cr₂O₇²⁻ polyatomic ion, in which two chromium atoms are linked through an oxygen atom. This ion is the oxidizing anion in potassium dichromate.
Dichromate titration : A volumetric redox analysis that uses dichromate as the oxidizing titrant. Potassium dichromate serves as a stable primary standard in these analyses.
Potassium chromate : A yellow crystalline salt, K₂CrO₄, containing the chromate ion and chromium(VI). Its chromate ion predominates under alkaline conditions, unlike dichromate in acidic solution.
Hexavalent chromium : Chromium compounds in the +6 oxidation state, many of which are toxic, carcinogenic, and environmentally hazardous. Potassium dichromate is a soluble, widely studied source of this hazardous chromium form.
Chromium(VI) : The +6 oxidation state of chromium, found in chromates, dichromates, and several industrial compounds. Potassium dichromate’s oxidizing power and hazards stem from its chromium(VI).
Chemical oxygen demand : A measure of the oxygen equivalent required to chemically oxidize substances in a water sample. The traditional dichromate method oxidizes organic matter to determine this measure.
Sodium dichromate : An orange chromium(VI) salt, Na₂Cr₂O₇, used as an oxidizer and industrial feedstock. It supplies the same dichromate ion but is generally more water-soluble.
Occupational exposure to hexavalent chromium : Workplace contact with chromium(VI) compounds through inhalation, skin contact, or accidental ingestion. Handling dichromate can expose workers through dust, splashes, or contaminated surfaces.
Redox reaction : A chemical reaction in which electrons are transferred and oxidation states change. Dichromate oxidizes other substances by accepting electrons and being reduced.
Alcohol breath testing : Methods for estimating alcohol concentration in breath, including historical color-changing chemical tests. Older breath analyzers used dichromate’s color change when ethanol was oxidized.
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