Definition and Usage Areas of chromic acid

The term chromic acid is often used for a mixture made with the addition of concentrated sulfuric acid in a dichromate, which may contain various compounds, including solid chromium trioxide. This type of chromic acid can be used as a cleaning mixture for glass. H2CRO4 may also be related to a molecular species, the H2CrO4 trioxide which is anhydride. Chromic acid contains chromium in the +6 (or VI) oxidation state. It is a strong and corrosive oxidizing agent.

The anhydride of H2CRO4 is chromium trioxide (CrO3). That’s why CrO3 comes to mind when it comes to H2CRO4. Here, chromium is (6+) valence. It is an unstable compound and turns into di(bi) chromate acid (H2Cr2O7) by reacting with itself. H2CRO4 (CrO3) is a red pink crystal with a specific gravity between 2.67 and 2.82 g/cm3. It melts at 197°C and decomposes slowly after melting. It absorbs moisture from the air. It dissolves very well in water and organic solvents such as acetic acid, pyridine and ether. Crude CrO3 is separated from a mixture of saturated sulphate acid and saturated sodium bichromate by precipitation. This precipitate is purified by crystallization or melting.

H2CRO4 is a strong acid and also a strong oxidation medium. It is highly destructive to plant and animal cells. A serious explosion may occur if it comes into contact with a reduction or organic compound.

Usage areas

• Chromic acid is used in the manufacture of chromates, which are salts of H2CRO4, in the chemical industry.
• Most chromic acid is produced for use in chrome plating.
• As a caustic in medicine,
• In carving operations,
• Making ceramic glaze,
• Coloring the windows,
• In cleaning metals,
• In ink and paint production
• It is used as a rubber pigment.