Potassium Dichromate (VI)

Potassium Dichromate (VI)

Physical and Chemical Properties

  • Potassium dichromate (VI), chemical formula K2Cr2O7, is an inorganic compound and a strong oxidizing agent.
  • It exists as a crystalline ionic solid with a bright orange color.
  • In acid solution, it can oxidize a wide range of substances, this makes it very useful in laboratory setting.
  • Despite its vibrant color and usefulness in the lab, it is highly toxic and carcinogenic, which means that it has been linked to causing cancer.

Use in Oxidation Reaction

  • Often used as an oxidizing agent in various industries and laboratory chemical reactions.
  • In acidic solution, it’s used to oxidize alcohols to aldehydes, ketones and carboxylic acids.
  • The color change (orange to green) accompanying the reduction of dichromate (VI) ions to chromium (III) ions can be used as an indicator of the endpoint in a redox titration.

Use as a Cleaning Agent

  • Employed in laboratories as a cleaning agent for glassware because it can effectively oxidize any organic material residues.

Impact on Environment

  • Despite its usefulness, potassium dichromate (VI) is a serious environmental hazard. The chromium in the compound can seep into the water and soil, potentially causing harm to wildlife.

Safety Measures

  • Due to its toxic and potentially carcinogenic nature, should be handled with utmost care, using personal protective equipment such as gloves and goggles.