Chromium III Nitrate Formula, Structure, Properties, Uses

Chromium III Nitrate Formula: The chemical formula for Chromium III Nitrate is Cr(NO3)3. It is used in various applications, including the dyeing industry.

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Chromium III Nitrate Formula: Chromium (Cr), an element belonging to Group 6 (VIb) on the Periodic Table, is a robust, polished steel alloy used to enhance strength and corrosion resistance in various applications. It is primarily employed in electroplating, tanning, printing, dyeing, medicine, fuel production, catalysis, oxidation processes, matchstick production, and as a metal corrosion inhibitor. Over time, metallic chromium has become a crucial material for electroplating.

Nitrate is an inorganic compound, it is composed of one nitrogen atom (N) and three oxygen atoms (O), denoted by the chemical symbol NO3. Generally, nitrate is non-toxic unless it undergoes reduction to nitrite (NO2).

Nitrate finds widespread use in agriculture as a fertilizer, owing to its high solubility and biodegradability. Common nitrate-based fertilizers include ammonium salts, sodium salts, potassium salts, calcium salts, and magnesium salts.

Chromium III Nitrate Formula

Chromium III Nitrate, also known as chromium nitrate with varying water content, belongs to a family of inorganic compounds. It is not particularly prominent in commercial applications but finds use in the dyeing industry. Academic laboratories utilize it for the synthesis of chromium coordination complexes.

Chromium III Nitrate Formula

The IUPAC name for chromium trinitrate is “chromium (3+), trinitrate.” Chromium III nitrate, also referred to as chromium trinitrate, is represented by the chemical formula Cr [(H2O)6] (NO3)3. 3H2O. It exists in two forms: one containing water [Cr(H2O)6](NO3)3) and the other being anhydrous Cr(NO3)3. This brief description outlines the complex structure of this inorganic compound.

Chromium III Nitrate Formula Structure

Complex structures, like the one found in hydrated metals such as chromium nitrate III, are quite common. In this compound, a central chromium atom forms bonds with six water (aqua) ligands, while the remaining solid consists of three nitrate anions and three water crystallization molecules. The chemical composition of Chromium Nitrate (III) can be summarized as follows,

Chromium accounts for 21.84% of the composition, while nitrogen makes up 17.65%, and oxygen comprises 60.50%.

Chromium (III) Nitrate Preparation

There are two primary methods for preparing chromium (III) nitrate. The first involves the simple dissolution of chromium oxide in nitric acid:

Cr2O3 + 6HNO3 ⇢ 2Cr(NO3)3 + 3H2O

The second method yields a more stable form of chromium (III) nitrate and entails using a concentrated aqueous solution of chromium (III) nitrate combined with a specific transcarboxylic acid. This is achieved by heating the trans acid with chromium (III) nitrate and an alkali. The reactant proportions involve 1 gram atom of chromium in relation to 1.0 to 1.5 gram equivalents of alkali and 0.4 to 0.6 moles of trans acid.

Chromium III Nitrate Formula Physical Properties

Chromium III Nitrate, also known as Nitric acid, Chromium (3+) salt, possesses the following physical properties:

  • Appearance: Blue-violet crystals
  • Boiling Point: Above 100°C
  • Density: 1.85 g/cm3
  • Molar Mass: 238.011 g/mol (anhydrous)
  • Chemical Formula: Cr(NO3)3 (anhydrous)
  • Melting Point: 60.06°C

Chromium III Nitrate Formula Chemical Properties

Chromium (III) Nitrate exhibits distinct chemical reactions:

When reacting with zinc, it forms Chromium and Zinc nitrate, representing a displacement reaction:

2Cr(NO3)3 + 3Zn ⇢ 2Cr + 3Zn(NO3)2

In the presence of barium sulfate, it generates chromium(III) sulfate and barium nitrate:

Cr(NO3)3 + 3BaSO4 ⇢ Cr(SO4)3 + 3BaNO3 

When combined with iron sulfate, it results in chromium(III) sulfate and iron nitrate formation:

2Cr(NO3)3 + 3FeSO4 ⇢ 3Fe(NO3)2 + Cr2(SO4)3

Uses of Chromium (III) Nitrate

Chromium(III) nitrate finds several practical uses, including:

  • Coatings and Surface Treatments: It is employed in the production of coatings and surface treatments.
  • Paints and Coatings: This compound is an ingredient in the production of paints and coatings.
  • Petrochemical Products: Chromium(III) nitrate contributes to the manufacturing of petrochemical products.
  • Synthetic Dyes and Pigments: It is a key component in the production of synthetic dyes and pigments.
  • Process Control: Chromium(III) nitrate serves as a process controller in various industrial applications.
  • Car Care Products: It is utilized in the manufacturing of car care products, such as polishes or treatments.
  • Metal Product Fabrication: It plays a role in the preparation for the fabrication of metal products.

Safety Concerns

However, it is essential to note that Chromium(III) nitrate poses safety concerns:

  • Irritant: The compound can cause irritation to bodily organs, particularly the eyes and skin.
  • Oxidizing Agent: It is inherently hazardous due to its oxidizing properties.
  • Gastrointestinal Hazard: Ingestion can lead to gastrointestinal damage.
Related Links
Aluminium chloride Formula Aluminium fluoride Formula
Magnesium Iodide Formula Inorganic Compound

Chromium III Nitrate Formula FAQs

Q1. What is the chemical formula of Chromium III Nitrate?

Ans. The chemical formula is Cr [(H2O)6] (NO3)3 for the hydrated form and Cr(NO3)3 for the anhydrous form.

Q2. What is the primary use of Chromium III Nitrate?

Ans. Chromium III Nitrate is mainly used in the dyeing industry and academic laboratories for synthesizing chromium coordination complexes.

Q3. How is Chromium III Nitrate prepared?

Ans. It can be prepared by dissolving chromium oxide in nitric acid or using a concentrated aqueous solution with a transcarboxylic acid and an alkali.

Q4. What are the physical properties of Chromium III Nitrate?

Ans. It appears as blue-violet crystals, has a boiling point above 100°C, a density of 1.85 g/cm3, and a molar mass of 238.011 g/mol (anhydrous).

Q5. What are common applications of Chromium III Nitrate?

Ans.  is used in coatings, paints, petrochemical products, synthetic dyes, process control, car care products, and metal product fabrication.

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