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Sodium dichromate a mixture of acetic acid, 2-methyl-2-pentenal and the dichromate led to a runaway reaction and eruption of the reactor contents.
Sodium dichromate is a highly toxic and powerful oxidizing agent that appears as an orange to red crystalline solid and is widely used in various industrial applications.
Sodium dichromate is one of the most important chromium compounds and serves as a key source of hexavalent chromium (Cr⁶⁺), which is known for its strong oxidizing properties but is also highly carcinogenic and hazardous to both human health and the environment.
CAS Number: 10588-01-9
Molecular Formula: Cr2Na2O7
Molecular Weight: 261.97
EINECS Number: 234-190-3
Synonyms: Sodium dichromate, Sodium bichromate, 10588-01-9, Disodium dichromate, Bichromate of soda, Celcure, Natriumdichromat, Sodium dichromate(VI), Caswell No. 761, Natriumbichromaat, Natriumdichromaat, Celcure Wood Preservative, Dichromate, sodium, Bichromate de sodium, Dichromic acid, sodium salt, Sodium dichromate (Na2(Cr2O7)), Sodium(dichromate de), Dichromic acid, disodium salt, Oakite Composition No. 155, Sodio (dicromato di), Wood Cure A Wood Preservative, HSDB 737, Na2Cr2O7, Chromium sodium oxide (Cr3Na2O7), UNII-C9G6VY6ZZ4, EINECS 234-190-3, C9G6VY6ZZ4, EPA Pesticide Chemical Code 068304, Natriumdichromat(VI), CCRIS 8137, Chromic acid (H2Cr2O7), disodium salt, Dichromic acid (H2Cr2O7), disodium salt, sodium dichromate(2-), EINECS 252-062-5, disodium;oxido-(oxido(dioxo)chromio)oxy-dioxochromium, SODIUM DICHROMATE (VI), DTXSID8021274, CHEBI:39483, 34493-01-1, Chromic acid (H2Cr2O7), sodium salt (1:2), Na2(Cr2O7), Na2[Cr2O7], Natriumbichromaat [Dutch], Natriumdichromaat [Dutch], Natriumdichromat [German], Bichromate de sodium [French], Sodium(dichromate de) [French], Sodio (dicromato di) [Italian], Sodium dichromate de, Caswell No 761, Disodium dichromate (VI), Disodium dichromium heptaoxide, DTXCID201274, SODIUM DICHROMATE [HSDB], DICHROMIC ACID, SODIUM SALT, SODIUM DICHROMATE(VI) [MI], SODIUM CHROMATE (NA2CR2O7), SODIUM DICHROMATE (ANHYDROUS), AKOS015913934, DISODIUM DICHROMATE (NA2CR2O7), NS00085738, Q407873, 10588-01-9 (anhydrous), 7789-12-0 (dihydrate), 234-190-3, bichromatedesodium, bichromatedesodium(french), bichromateofsoda, caswellno761, celcure, celcurewoodpresrvative, chromicacid(h2cr207), disodiumsalt, chromicacid(h2cr2o7), disodiumsalt.
Sodium dichromate, including the hexahydrate, is yellow crystalline solids that can also be used in solution.
Sodium dichromate is the inorganic compound with the formula Na2Cr2O7.
However, the salt is usually handled as its dihydrate Na2Cr2O7·2H2O.
Virtually all chromium ore is processed via conversion to sodium dichromate and virtually all compounds and materials based on chromium are prepared from this salt.
In terms of reactivity and appearance, sodium dichromate and potassium dichromate are very similar.
The sodium salt is, however, around twenty times more soluble in water than the potassium salt (49 g/L at 0 °C) and its equivalent weight is also lower, which is often desirable.
Sodium dichromate is a strong oxidizing agent.
Incompatible with strong acids contact with combustible materials may lead to fires.
The well known "chromic acid mixture" of dichromate and sulfuric acid with organic residue led to violent exothermic reaction.
This mixture in combination with acetone residue also led to violent reaction.
The combination of the dichromate and sulfuric acid with alcohols, ethanol and 2-propanol, led to violent exothermic reaction.
Because of the occurrence of many incidents involving the dichromate-sulfuric acid mix with oxidizable organic materials, Sodium dichromate is probably best to avoid such interactions.
The combination of the dichromate with hydrazine is explosive (one may expect the reaction of the dichromate to be vigorous with amines in general).
The addition of the dehydrated dichromate salt to acetic anhydride led to an exothermic reaction which eventually exploded.
An induction period proceeded the explosion event.
Boron, silicon, and dichromates form pyrotechnic mixtures.
Sodium dichromate is highly soluble in water, forming acidic solutions that are used in numerous chemical processes.
Sodium dichromate is generated on a large scale from ores containing chromium(III) oxides.
The ore is fused with a base, typically sodium carbonate, at around 1000 °C in the presence of air (source of oxygen): 2 Cr2O3 + 4 Na2CO3 + 3 O2 → 4 Na2CrO4 + 4 CO2
This step solubilizes the chromium and allows it to be extracted into hot water.
At this stage, other components of the ore such as aluminium and iron compounds, are poorly soluble.
Acidification of the resulting aqueous extract with sulfuric acid or carbon dioxide affords the dichromate: 2 Na2CrO4 + 2 CO2 + H2O → Na2Cr2O7 + 2 NaHCO3
2 Na2CrO4 + H2SO4 → Na2Cr2O7 + Na2SO4 + H2O
The dichromate is isolated as the dihydrate by crystallization.
In this way, many millions of kilograms of sodium dichromate are produced annually.
Since chromium(VI) is toxic, especially as the dust, such factories are subject to stringent regulations.
For example, effluent from such refineries is treated with reducing agents to return any chromium(VI) to chromium(III), which is less threatening to the environment.
A variety of hydrates of this salt are known, ranging from the decahydrate below 19.5 °C (CAS# 13517-17-4 ) as well as hexa-, tetra-, and dihydrates.
Above 62 °C, these salts lose water spontaneously to give the anhydrous material.
Sodium dichromate is crystallised around 30 to 35 degrees C.
Sodium dichromate is a red to orange crystalline solid.
Sodium dichromate is a member of a chemical group known as chromium (VI) compounds
Sodium dichromate is a strong oxidising agent and a source in preparing chromium based derivatives.
Sodium dichromate is used in metal passivation and finds applications across diverse industries including pigments and coatings, screen printing in photographic engraving, electroplating, pyrotechnics and explosives.
As a wood preservative, Sodium Dichromate protects wood from termites and fungi while in metal treatment it works as a corrosion inhibitor.
Sodium dichromate is also used in pigment preparations like chrome oxide green and lead chromate.
Sodium dichromate is an inorganic sodium salt. Contains a dichromate (2-).
It appears as a red or red-orange crystalline solid. May be severely irritating to skin, eyes and mucous membranes.
Sodium dichromate is used as a corrosion inhibitor and in the manufacture of other chemicals.
sodium dichromate is commonly used in the manufacture of chromium-based chemicals, including chromic acid, which is utilized for metal plating, wood preservation, and glass coloring.
Sodium dichromate is also employed as a corrosion inhibitor in metal treatments and as a crucial component in leather tanning and textile dyeing.
Additionally, due to its strong oxidizing nature, it is used as a cleaning agent for laboratory glassware and in various chemical syntheses, including organic oxidation reactions.
In the past, it was also used in match production, explosives manufacturing, and pigment production, though its use has been significantly restricted due to its severe toxicity.
Sodium dichromate is considered highly hazardous, as it can cause serious health issues, including severe skin and eye irritation, respiratory problems, and an increased risk of lung cancer with prolonged exposure.
Due to its toxicity, strict safety regulations are enforced in handling, storing, and disposing of this compound.
Additionally, because of its environmental impact—being particularly harmful to aquatic life and ecosystems—many industries have sought safer alternatives or greener methods to reduce dependency on sodium dichromate.
Sodium dichromate or Na2Cr2O7 is an inorganic compound.
Sodium Dichromate is also known as bichromate of soda, disodium dichromate, or sodium dichromate (VI).
Sodium Dichromate is known to be a powerful oxidizing agent and is highly corrosive.
Sodium dichromate is a red to reddish-orange crystalline solid.
Sodium Dichromate is odourless and dissolves in water, methanol and ethanol.
Sodium Dichromate is commonly used as a corrosion inhibitor.
On heating, Sodium Dichromate liberates chromium fumes that are toxic in nature.
Melting point: 356.7°C
Density: 2.52 g/cm3(Temp: 13 °C)
vapor pressure: 0Pa at 20℃
form: red hygroscopic crystals
color: red hygroscopic crystals, crystalline
Water Solubility: 2355g/L at 20℃
Dielectric constant: 2.9（Ambient）
LogP: -1 at 20℃
Sodium dichromate is an inorganic compound that is widely recognized for its strong oxidizing properties and extensive use in various industrial processes.
It is most commonly found in the form of bright orange-red crystalline solids that are highly soluble in water and form acidic solutions.
Due to its high oxidation potential, sodium dichromate plays a crucial role in several chemical applications, including metal finishing, corrosion resistance, and organic synthesis.
However, despite its industrial significance, it is a highly toxic and environmentally hazardous compound due to the presence of hexavalent chromium (Cr⁶⁺), which is known to be carcinogenic and poses serious health risks to humans and wildlife.
Sodium dichromate, a hexavalent chromium compound is commonly used as an oxidizing agent.
Chromium (VI) compounds are genotoxic and group 1 IARC (International Agency for Research on Cancer) carcinogen.
Sodium dichromate is one of the common contaminants found in drinking water.
Its toxic effects and carcinogenicity has been studied.
Sodium dichromate is the inorganic compound with the formula Na2Cr2O7.
However, the salt is usually handled as its dihydrate Na2Cr2O7·2H2O.
Virtually all chromium ores are processed via conversion to sodium dichromate and virtually,all compounds and materials based on chromium are prepared from this salt.
In terms of reactivity and appearance, sodium dichromate and potassium dichromate are very similar.
The sodium salt is, however, around twenty times more soluble in water than the potassium salt (49 g/L at 0 °C) and its equivalent weight is also lower, which is often desirable.
Sodium dichromate is generally immediately available in most volumes.
Hydrate or anhydrous forms may be purchased. High purity, submicron and nanopowder forms may be considered.
American Elements produces to many standard grades when applicable, including Mil Spec (military grade); ACS, Reagent and Technical Grade; Food, Agricultural and Pharmaceutical Grade; Optical Grade, USP and EP/BP (European Pharmacopoeia/British Pharmacopoeia) and follows applicable ASTM testing standards.
Typical and custom packaging is available. Additional technical, research and safety (MSDS) information is available as is a Reference Calculator for converting relevant units of measurement.
Sodium dichromate and chromate salts are oxidizing agents. For the tanning of leather, sodium dichromate is first reduced with sulfur dioxide.
In the area of organic synthesis, Sodium dichromate oxidizes benzylic and allylic C-H bonds to carbonyl derivatives. For example, 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene is oxidized to the corresponding carboxylic acid.
Similarly, 2,3-dimethylnaphthalene is oxidized by Na2Cr2O7 to 2,3-naphthalenedicarboxylic acid.
Secondary alcohols are oxidized to the corresponding ketone, e.g. menthol to menthone; dihydrocholesterol to cholestanone: 3 R2CHOH + Cr2O2−7 + 2 H+ → 3 R2C=O + Cr2O3 + 4 H2O
Relative to the potassium salt, the main advantage of sodium dichromate is its greater solubility in water and polar solvents like acetic acid.
For hexavalent chrome plating, chromate is converted to the so-called chromic acid (essentially chromium trioxide) by sulfuric acid.
Sodium dichromate can be used in fluorene to fluorenone conversion.
Sodium dichromate is an essential raw material in the manufacturing of chromium-based compounds, such as chromic acid and potassium dichromate, which are widely used in metallurgy, chemical production, and various other industries.
Inhalation of dust or mist causes respiratory irritation sometimes resembling asthma; nasal septal perforation may occur. Ingestion causes vomiting, diarrhea, and (rarely) stomach and kidney complications.
Contact with eyes or skin produces local irritation; repeated skin exposure causes dermatitis.
Used to make dyes, inks, pigments, and other chromates; in leather tanning, a corrosion inhibitor in circulating water systems; metal treatment; a drilling mud additive; chemical intermediate for chromium catalysts; colorimetry, oxidizing agent; bleaching agent; an algicide, fungicide, insecticide; in wood preservation.
Sodium dichromate is generally immediately available in most volumes.
Hydrate or anhydrous forms may be purchased.
High purity, submicron and nanopowder forms may be considered.
American Elements produces to many standard grades when applicable, including Mil Spec (military grade); ACS, Reagent and Technical Grade; Food, Agricultural and Pharmaceutical Grade; Optical Grade, USP and EP/BP (European Pharmacopoeia/British Pharmacopoeia) and follows applicable ASTM testing standards.
Typical and custom packaging is available.
Additional technical, research and safety (MSDS) information is available as is a Reference Calculator for converting relevant units of measurement.
Sodium dichromate has a molecular weight of approximately 261.97 g/mol (anhydrous form) and is often encountered as either an anhydrous compound or in its more stable dihydrate form (Na₂Cr₂O₇·2H₂O).
Sodium dichromate has a high melting point of around 356°C (673°F) and decomposes at even higher temperatures.
Sodium dichromate readily dissolves in water, forming highly acidic solutions that can be corrosive to human tissue and many materials.
As an oxidizing agent, sodium dichromate is highly reactive, making it useful in chemical synthesis, particularly in oxidation reactions.
Sodium dichromate is a highly useful but extremely hazardous chemical compound that has been extensively used in metal finishing, leather tanning, wood preservation, and chemical manufacturing due to its powerful oxidizing properties.
However, because of its severe toxicity, carcinogenic nature, and environmental persistence, its use has become increasingly restricted worldwide.
Industries are actively seeking safer alternatives, and regulatory agencies have imposed strict guidelines on handling, storage, and disposal to minimize health and environmental risks.
Proper safety precautions and awareness are essential when working with sodium dichromate to prevent occupational hazards and environmental contamination.
Uses:
Sodium dichromate is red solid, soluble, powerful oxidizing agent, and consequently a fire hazard with dry carbonaceous materials.
Formed by acidifying sodium chromate solution, and then evaporating.
Used in matches and pyrotechnics, in leather tanning and in the textile industry, as a source of chromate, cheaper than potassium dichromate.
Sodium dichromate may be used in preparing Jones reagent which is employed for oxidation reactions.
Sodium dichromate may be used in the oxidation of arylalkanes.
Release to the environment of Sodium dichromate can occur from industrial use: manufacturing of the substance, as an intermediate step in further manufacturing of another substance (use of intermediates), formulation of mixtures and in processing aids at industrial sites.
Other release to the environment of Sodium dichromate is likely to occur from: outdoor use in long-life materials with low release rate (e.g. metal, wooden and plastic construction and building materials) and indoor use in long-life materials with low release rate (e.g. flooring, furniture, toys, construction materials, curtains, foot-wear, leather products, paper and cardboard products, electronic equipment).
Sodium dichromate can be found in complex articles, with no release intended: vehicles.
Sodium dichromate can be found in products with material based on: fabrics, textiles and apparel (e.g. clothing, mattress, curtains or carpets, textile toys) and metal (e.g. cutlery, pots, toys, jewellery).
One of the most significant applications of sodium dichromate is in the protection and treatment of metal surfaces, particularly in the manufacturing of chromium coatings, passivation layers, and anti-corrosion treatments.
Sodium dichromate is used in the production of chromic acid, which serves as a key agent in electroplating processes to deposit a protective layer of chromium onto various metals, including steel, aluminum, and zinc.
These chromium coatings significantly enhance the corrosion resistance, hardness, and durability of metal components, making them essential in industries such as aerospace, automotive, and heavy machinery manufacturing.
Additionally, Sodium dichromate is utilized in the anodizing process for aluminum, where it helps create a thick, durable oxide layer that improves the material's resistance to wear, corrosion, and harsh environmental conditions.
In the leather industry, sodium dichromate has been extensively used as a crucial component in the tanning process, where it assists in the chemical transformation of raw animal hides into durable, non-decomposable leather.
This process, known as chromium tanning, involves the oxidation of chromium (III) compounds to chromium (VI) during various stages, which helps in stabilizing the leather structure, improving its flexibility, durability, and resistance to microbial degradation.
Similarly, in the textile industry, Sodium dichromate is used as a mordant, a chemical that helps dyes adhere more effectively to fabrics by creating strong bonds between the dye molecules and the textile fibers.
This results in enhanced color fastness, improved resistance to fading, and long-lasting vibrancy of dyed fabrics, particularly in materials such as wool, silk, and cotton.
Another important use of sodium dichromate is in the preservation and treatment of wood products, where it helps protect wooden structures, furniture, and utility poles from fungal decay, insect infestation, and weather-related damage.
Due to its potent biocidal properties, sodium dichromate is incorporated into wood treatment solutions, where it reacts with the lignin and cellulose components of wood, making it more resistant to rot and degradation.
This application has been particularly useful in outdoor and marine environments, where wood is constantly exposed to moisture, biological threats, and harsh climatic conditions.
In addition to its role in wood preservation, sodium dichromate has also been utilized in the formulation of protective coatings, paints, and primers for various surfaces, providing long-term resistance to oxidation and corrosion, especially in industrial infrastructure, bridges, and pipelines.
Sodium dichromate serves as a highly effective oxidizing agent in the field of organic chemistry, where it is used in the oxidation of alcohols to aldehydes, ketones, and carboxylic acids.
This reaction is particularly important in the production of fine chemicals, pharmaceuticals, and intermediates used in the synthesis of perfumes, dyes, and agrochemicals.
In laboratory settings, sodium dichromate has historically been employed as a key reagent in qualitative and quantitative chemical analysis, including its use in titrations, oxidation-reduction reactions, and forensic toxicology.
Furthermore, in the field of materials science, sodium dichromate has been investigated for its role in catalytic oxidation reactions and as a precursor in the development of advanced chromium-based catalysts.
In the glass and ceramics industry, sodium dichromate plays a significant role as a coloring agent and oxidizing additive, contributing to the production of brilliant green, yellow, and brown hues in glassware and ceramic glazes.
The presence of chromium compounds in glass formulations imparts unique optical properties and enhances UV resistance, durability, and aesthetic appeal.
This makes sodium dichromate particularly useful in the manufacturing of decorative glass, stained glass windows, and specialized optical lenses.
Additionally, in the ceramic industry, sodium dichromate is used in the production of high-temperature-resistant pigments and coatings, ensuring heat stability and chemical resilience in ceramic materials.
Historically, sodium dichromate has been widely used as a cleaning agent in laboratory and industrial settings, particularly in the preparation of glassware, scientific instruments, and precision equipment.
Its strong oxidizing properties allow it to break down and remove organic residues, grease, and chemical contaminants, making it an effective cleaning agent for laboratory environments where absolute cleanliness is required.
However, due to its high toxicity and carcinogenic nature, its use in cleaning applications has significantly declined, and alternative, less hazardous cleaning agents have been adopted in many industries.
Sodium dichromate has historically played a role in the production of matchstick heads, explosives, and pyrotechnic formulations due to its strong oxidizing properties, which facilitate the rapid combustion of fuel components.
In matchstick production, it was used to enhance ignition properties, ensuring reliable ignition upon friction.
Additionally, in the explosives and fireworks industry, sodium dichromate has been used in the formulation of propellants, detonators, and colored flame compositions, contributing to the vibrant visual effects observed in pyrotechnic displays.
However, due to environmental and safety concerns, its use in these applications has largely been phased out in favor of safer alternatives.
In the oil and petroleum industry, sodium dichromate has been utilized as a corrosion inhibitor and drilling fluid additive, where it helps protect metal surfaces in drilling equipment and pipelines from rust and oxidation.
Additionally, it has been used in the synthesis of chromium-based catalysts, which play a crucial role in hydrocarbon cracking, fuel refining, and the production of high-octane fuels.
Chromium catalysts derived from sodium dichromate are known for their ability to enhance reaction efficiency, improve fuel quality, and optimize chemical conversion processes in the petrochemical sector.
Sodium dichromate has been a critical compound in numerous industrial applications, ranging from metal finishing, corrosion resistance, and wood preservation to organic synthesis, glass manufacturing, and catalyst preparation.
Its strong oxidizing capabilities, ability to modify chemical structures, and effectiveness in surface treatments have made it an invaluable component in many industrial processes.
However, due to its high toxicity, carcinogenic nature, and environmental persistence, its use has been increasingly restricted and regulated worldwide, leading industries to seek safer alternatives and greener technologies.
Despite its declining use in some sectors, sodium dichromate remains an important chemical in specialized applications where high-performance oxidation and material protection are required.
Sodium dichromate is used in the following products: laboratory chemicals.
Sodium dichromate is used in the following areas: scientific research and development.
Sodium dichromate is used for the manufacture of: .
Release to the environment of Sodium dichromate can occur from industrial use: formulation of mixtures, as an intermediate step in further manufacturing of another substance (use of intermediates) and as processing aid.
Other release to the environment of Sodium dichromate is likely to occur from: indoor use as reactive substance.
Sodium dichromate is used in the following products: metal surface treatment products, laboratory chemicals, metals, coating products, fillers, putties, plasters, modelling clay, textile treatment products and dyes and cosmetics and personal care products.
Release to the environment of Sodium dichromate can occur from industrial use: formulation of mixtures and manufacturing of the substance.
Sodium dichromate is used in the following products: metal surface treatment products, leather treatment products, pharmaceuticals and textile treatment products and dyes.
Sodium dichromate has an industrial use resulting in manufacture of another substance (use of intermediates).
Sodium dichromate is used in the following areas: formulation of mixtures and/or re-packaging and scientific research and development.
Sodium dichromateis used for the manufacture of: chemicals and .
Release to the environment of Sodium dichromate can occur from industrial use: as processing aid.
Release to the environment of Sodium dichromate can occur from industrial use: manufacturing of the substance, as an intermediate step in further manufacturing of another substance (use of intermediates), in processing aids at industrial sites, formulation of mixtures and as processing aid.
Sodium dichromate has been widely utilized across various industries due to its strong oxidizing properties, corrosion resistance, and ability to modify chemical structures in industrial processes.
Despite its hazardous nature, it has played a crucial role in applications ranging from metal surface treatments and leather tanning to wood preservation, textile dyeing, and organic synthesis.
Safety Profile:
Confirmed carcinogen with experimental tumorigenic data. Poison by ingestion, sktn contact, intravenous, intraperitoneal, and subcutaneous routes.
Human systemic effects by ingestion: cough, nausea or vomiting, and sweating.
Human mutation data reported a caustic and irritant.
Sodium dichromate a powerful oxidizer. Potentially explosive reaction with acetic anhydride, ethanol + sulfuric acid + heat, hydrazine.
Violent reaction or ignition with boron + shcon (pyrotechnic), organic residues + sulfuric acid, 2-propanol + sulfuric acid, sulfuric acid + trinitrotoluene.
Incompatible with hydroxylamine when heated to decomposition it emits toxic fumes of Na2O.
Like all hexavalent chromium compounds, sodium dichromate is carcinogenic.
Sodium dichromate is also corrosive and exposure may produce severe eye damage or blindness.
Human exposure further encompasses impaired fertility, heritable genetic damage and harm to unborn children.
