Sodium Dichromate Formula, Structure, Properties, Uses

Sodium Dichromate Formula: Sodium dichromate, represented by the formula Na₂Cr₂O₇, It is usually handled as its dihydrate, Na₂Cr₂O₇·2H₂O. Most chromium ore is transformed into sodium dichromate, serving as a precursor for various chromium-based compounds and materials. In terms of reactivity and appearance, sodium dichromate closely resembles potassium dichromate, but it boasts significantly higher solubility in water and a lower equivalent weight, which can be advantageous in various applications.

Sodium dichromate serves as the primary source material for a variety of chromium compounds used in diverse applications, such as leather tanning, metal treatment, drilling muds, textile dyes, catalysts, and wood and water treatment.

What is Sodium Dichromate?

Sodium dichromate formula is Na₂Cr₂O_7.  It is an orange-red inorganic crystalline compound known for emitting toxic chromium fumes upon heating. It exhibits strong corrosive properties and serves as a potent oxidizer. This chemical finds common use in the synthesis of various chromium compounds and is referred to by alternative names like bichromate of soda, disodium dichromate, or sodium dichromate (VI).

Sodium Dichromate Formula Name

Sodium dichromate is a solid crystalline material with a red to orange color. It belongs to the category of chemicals referred to as chromium (VI) compounds. This compound is also known by several alternate names, such as sodium bichromate, bichromate of soda, and sodium dichromate (VI).

Sodium Dichromate Formula Charge

The sodium dichromate formula is Na₂Cr₂O₇. Within this compound, each sodium (Na) atom carries a positive charge of +1, while the dichromate (Cr₂O₇) ion bears a negative charge of -2.

Sodium Dichromate Structure

The chemical compound Na₂Cr₂O₇ is known as Sodium dichromate. It is also known as Bichromate of soda, Disodium dichromate, or Sodium dichromate (VI). This substance is a potent oxidizing agent and extremely corrosive. Sodium dichromate (VI) appears as a red to red-orange crystalline solid.

Preparation of Sodium Dichromate

On a larger scale, sodium dichromate is obtained from metal ores containing chromium (III) oxides. This process is conducted at a temperature of 1000°C in the presence of oxygen, resulting in the following reaction:

2Cr₂O₂ + 4Na₂CO + 3O₂ → 4Na₂CrO₄ + 4CO₂

This reaction proceeds further as follows:

2Na₂CrO₄ + 4CO₂ + H₂O → Na₂CrO₇ + 2NaHCO₃

2Na₂CrO₄ + H₂SO₄ → Na₂Cr₂O₇ + Na₂SO₄ + H₂O

Through a crystallization process, dichromate is isolated as a dihydrate.

Sodium Dichromate Formula Physical Properties

• Sodium Dichromate has a molecular weight of 262 g/mol.
• Its density is 2.52 g/cm3.
• The boiling point of Sodium Dichromate is 400°C.
• Sodium Dichromate is odorless.
• It has a refractive index of 1.66.
• The chemical formula of Sodium Dichromate is Na₂Cr₂O₇ .

Sodium Dichromate Formula Chemical Properties

The chemical formula for sodium dichromate is Na₂Cr₂O₇ . Here are some of its chemical properties:

Oxidizing Agent: Sodium dichromate is a powerful oxidizing agent, meaning it has the ability to cause other substances to undergo oxidation reactions.

Solubility: It is soluble in water and can dissolve in various solvents.

Acidic Nature: In aqueous solutions, sodium dichromate is acidic and can release chromic acid (H₂CrO₄).

Reactivity: It is reactive with various other chemicals and can participate in redox reactions, especially with reducing agents.

Chromium Compounds: Sodium dichromate is a precursor for various chromium compounds and materials.

Corrosive: It is highly corrosive and should be handled with care.

Toxicity: It is toxic and poses health risks if not handled properly.

Color: Sodium dichromate typically appears as an orange-red to red crystalline solid.

Environmental Concerns: It is considered an environmental hazard due to the toxicity of chromium compounds, and its disposal and use are regulated in many places to prevent environmental contamination.

Uses of Sodium Dichromate

Sodium dichromate plays a crucial role in the production of chromium compounds.

It finds use in petroleum refining.

It is used for water treatment purposes.

Sodium dichromate serves as an oxidizing agent in the production of chemical compounds.

Its primary function lies as a catalyst.

Sodium dichromate is used as an insecticide and fungicide.

It is applied in colorimetry experiments to determine copper content.

Sodium dichromate is instrumental in creating colored glass and ceramic frosting.

It is essential for producing inorganic chromate pigments that yield light-stable hues.

It is utilized in leather tanning processes.