Potassium bichromate is a non-caking crystals of predominantly orange color (sometimes reddish), which dissolve well in the aquatic environment and resemble the thinnest needles or plates in shape. When interacting with a substance, an aqueous solution becomes acidic.
Potassium dichromate is a highly toxic, carcinogenic substance and a strong oxidizing agent. Sprays of the solution can destroy the skin, cartilage, and inhalation of vapors can damage the respiratory tract.
At a temperature of about 1300 ° C, as a result of the exchange reaction of sodium dichromate and potassium chloride, potassium bichromate is obtained, the formula of which is K2Cr2 O7:
2KCl + Na2Cr2O7 → K 2Cr2O7 + 2NaCl.
This substance is used in industry. Technical potassium bichromate is used for the production of matches, dry batteries, inorganic pigments, paint coatings, as well as in organic synthesis - to obtain various kinds of chemical compounds.
A red-yellow solution of potassium dichromate stains litmus paperin pale red. Upon further boiling, the chemical solution acquires a characteristic dark red tint. Upon reaching a temperature of 398 oC, potassium dichromate begins to melt and turns into a dark brown liquid, which solidifies and crystallizes upon subsequent cooling. Above 500 oC, the substance completely decomposes to form oxygen, chromium oxide and potassium chromate.
Physical and chemical properties of potassium bichromate
| Indicator | Unit of measurement | Meaning |
| crystal lattice | triclinic or monoclinic | |
| refraction | 1, 738 | |
| molecular weight | 294, 19 | |
| specific gravity | g/cm3 | 2, 684 |
| boiling point | oC | 398 |
| melting point | oC | completely decomposes at 500 |
| solubility in 100 grams of water at temperature: | r | |
| 0 oC | 4, 7 | |
| 20oC | 11, 1 | |
| 100oC | 102 |
Rules for the storage and transportation of high-hazard chemicals
Technical potassium dichromate can be transported by any type of covered transport, forwith the exception of air. A chemical packaged in special containers intended for single use can be transported by open rolling stock. Commercial potassium bichromate must be stored in dry warehouses, while the product in specialized disposable containers can be stored in open areas equipped with a hard surface for water runoff.
Package of a first hazard class chemical
Technical potassium dichromate is packed in specially designed steel drums, as well as polyethylene bags, consisting of five layers, weighing up to 50 kg. It is allowed to pack in soft containers for specialized purposes for single use.
Defined hazard class for a chemical
Technical potassium bichromate is explosive and flammable. According to the degree of impact on the human body, he was assigned the first class of danger. When working with a chemical, you must follow safety precautions, be extremely careful and attentive, and also use personal protective equipment for the skin and respiratory organs.
