Chromic Acid

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Chromic Acid is a powerful oxidizing agent, typically available as a bright orange-red crystalline solid or concentrated solution containing chromium trioxide (CrO₃) dissolved in sulfuric acid. It is a highly corrosive and strong acid used predominantly in industrial applications such as metal finishing, cleaning, and surface treatment. Chromic acid is valued for its excellent oxidative and cleaning properties, particularly in chromium plating, anodizing, and etching processes. Due to its toxicity and environmental hazards, its handling and disposal are strictly regulated. It plays a crucial role in chemical synthesis, laboratories, and manufacturing.

Description

Chromic Acid Uses

Primary Uses 

Metal Finishing & Surface Treatment

  • Used extensively in chromium plating baths to deposit decorative, hard, and corrosion-resistant chromium coatings on metals.

  • Employed in anodizing aluminum to produce a durable and corrosion-resistant oxide layer.

  • Utilized in surface preparation, cleaning, and etching of metals before further processing or coating.

  • Acts as a cleaning agent to remove organic contaminants and scale from metal surfaces.

Chemical Industry & Laboratories

  • Serves as a strong oxidizing agent in various organic synthesis reactions.

  • Used for cleaning laboratory glassware and equipment due to its powerful oxidizing and cleansing properties.

  • Utilized in the production of dyes, pigments, and chemicals requiring oxidation steps.

 

Secondary Uses 

Wastewater Treatment

  • Applied in controlled amounts to oxidize and remove certain organic contaminants and pollutants.

Electronics Industry

  • Used for etching and cleaning semiconductor materials and electronic components.

Analytical Chemistry

  • Employed as a reagent for chemical analysis and titrations requiring strong oxidizing conditions.

PRODUCT KEY FEATURES

Basic Identification Attributes

  • Chemical Name (IUPAC): Chromic Acid (often referring to aqueous solution of chromium trioxide in sulfuric acid)

  • Common/Trade Name: Chromic Acid

  • CAS Number: 1333-82-0 (chromium trioxide)

  • HS Code: 2841.70.00

  • Molecular Formula: Hâ‚‚CrOâ‚„ (for chromic acid solution)

  • Synonyms:

    • Chromium trioxide solution

    • Chromium(VI) oxide solution

    • Chromic acid solution

 

  1. Physical & Chemical Properties
  • Physical State: Orange-red crystalline solid (chromium trioxide); or orange-red liquid (chromic acid solution)

  • Color & Odor: Orange-red; odorless or slight acidic smell

  • Melting Point: 197°C (chromium trioxide)

  • Boiling Point: Decomposes before boiling

  • Density: ~2.7 g/cm³ (solid); solution varies by concentration

  • Solubility: Highly soluble in water, forming chromic acid solution

  • Stability: Strong oxidizer; stable if stored properly but reacts violently with organic materials

 

  1. Safety & Hazard Attributes
  • Hazard Class (GHS): Corrosive, oxidizer, carcinogenic (Chromium VI compounds)

  • NFPA Ratings: Health 4, Flammability 0, Reactivity 2

  • Exposure Limits: OSHA PEL = 0.005 mg/m³ (Chromium VI)

  • Toxicity: Highly toxic, carcinogenic, mutagenic, and harmful by inhalation, ingestion, and skin contact

  • Reactivity: Strong oxidizer; reacts violently with reducing agents and organic substances

 

  1. Storage & Handling Attributes
  • Storage Conditions: Store in corrosion-resistant containers in cool, dry, well-ventilated area away from incompatible substances

  • Container Type: Glass or polyethylene-lined steel containers

  • Shelf Life: Stable if stored properly

  • Special Handling: Use full PPE including acid-resistant gloves, face shield, and respirator; handle in fume hoods or well-ventilated areas

 

  1. Regulatory & Compliance Attributes
  • Classified as hazardous waste; strict disposal regulations apply

  • Regulated under OSHA, EPA, REACH, and other national and international agencies

  • Transportation: Classified as dangerous goods (Corrosive, oxidizer)

  • FDA Status: Not permitted for food or pharmaceutical use

 

  1. Environmental & Health Impact
  • Ecotoxicity: Highly toxic to aquatic life; causes long-term environmental damage

  • Persistence: Persistent in environment; chromium VI is highly mobile in soil and water

  • Bioaccumulation: Potential for bioaccumulation and biomagnification

  • Carcinogenicity/Mutagenicity: Classified as Group 1 carcinogen by IARC

Biodegradability: Not biodegradable; requires specialized treatment

SAFETY HANDLING PRECAUTIONS
  • Safety Handling Precautions

  • PPE: Acid-resistant gloves, goggles, face shield, lab coat, and respirator

  • Handling: Avoid inhalation, ingestion, and skin contact; use only in fume hoods or well-ventilated areas

  • Storage: Keep container tightly closed and stored away from incompatible materials (organic substances, reducing agents)

  • Hygiene: Wash thoroughly after handling; no eating or drinking in work area

 

First Aid Measures

  • Inhalation: Move victim to fresh air immediately; administer oxygen if breathing is difficult; seek urgent medical attention

  • Skin Contact: Rinse immediately with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes; remove contaminated clothing; seek emergency medical care

  • Eye Contact: Flush eyes thoroughly with water for at least 15 minutes; obtain immediate medical assistance

  • Ingestion: Do NOT induce vomiting; rinse mouth with water; seek immediate medical attention

 

Firefighting Measures

  • Fire Hazards: Non-flammable but strong oxidizer; can intensify fires

  • Extinguishing Media: Use water spray, foam, or dry chemical extinguishers; avoid dry powder extinguishers that may react

  • Special Precautions: Firefighters must wear full protective clothing and self-contained breathing apparatus

  • Decomposition Products: May release toxic chromium oxides and sulfur oxides when heated