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.

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Categories: Analytical Reagents, Laboratory Safety Chemicals Tags: Chromic acid, Chromium trioxide solution, Corrosive liquid, Metal finishing and plating, Strong Oxidizing Agent, Surface treatment

Description

Table of Contents

Chromic Acid

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.

KEY PRODUCT FEATURES

1. 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: H₂CrO₄ (for chromic acid solution)
Synonyms:
- Chromium trioxide solution
- Chromium(VI) oxide solution
- Chromic acid solution

2. 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

3. 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

4. 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

5. 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

6. 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