Chromium III Chloride Formula: Structure, Precautions, Properties and Uses
Learn the chromium III chloride formula (CrCl3) and its chemical composition. Explore the properties and uses of this important compound in chemistry. Also known as chromic chloride, Chromium (III) chloride is a compound that has the formula CrCl3•xH2O, where x can vary between 0, 5, and 6.
Ranvijay Singh27 Sept, 2023
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Also known as chromic chloride, Chromium (III) chloride is a compound that has the formula CrCl 3 •xH 2 O, where x can vary between 0, 5, and 6. The anhydrous form of this compound, with the formula CrCl 3 , appears as a solid in a striking violet hue. The most commonly used version is the hexahydrate form, which has a dark green color and the formula CrCl 3 • 6H 2 O. These chromium chlorides are often utilized as catalysts and precursors to wool dyes. Now, let's delve into the detailed formula for Chromium III Chloride.
Chromium III Chloride Formula
CrCl 3 is the molecular formula of Chromium iii Chloride.Structure
The anhydrous form of chromium (III) chloride features the YCl3 structure, where Cr3+ occupies a third of the octahedral interstices within an alternating pseudo-cubic close-packed lattice of Cl− ions. The absence of cations in some layers weakens the bonding between adjacent layers, causing ease in cleaving along these planes. This results in a flaky appearance of the crystals.Preparation
The anhydrous chromium (III) chloride can be prepared directly by chlorinating chromium metal, or indirectly by carbo-thermic chlorinating chromium (III) oxide at 650–800°C: Cr 2 O 3 + 3 C + 3 Cl 2 → 2 CrCl 3 + 3 CO As a result of dehydration with trimethylsilyl chloride in THF, the following solvate is formed: CrCl 3 • 6H 2 O + 12 Me 3 SiCl → CrCl 3 (THF)3 + 6 (Me 3 Si)2O + 12 HCl By treating the hex hydrate with thionyl chloride, we can prepare it as follows: CrCl 3 • 6H 2 O + 6 SOCl 2 → CrCl 3 + 6 SO 2 + 12 HCl As a result of the treatment with hydrochloric acid and methanol at the same time, hydrated chlorides are formed. Moreover, in a laboratory, the hydrates are usually prepared by dissolving the chromium metal or chromium oxide inside the hydrochloric acid.Chemical Properties
The chemical formula for the chromium III chloride is CrCl 3 . The melting point of the same is 1152 °C, while the boiling point is about 1300 °C. In addition, the chromium III chloride has a density of 2.87 g/cm3 and a mol mass of 158.36 g/mol. When mixed with water, it is slightly soluble.Properties of Chromium (III) Chloride
| Properties of Chromium III Chloride | |
| Name | Chromium III Chloride |
| Other Names | Chromic Chloride |
| Appearance | A purple solid when anhydrous and dark green when hexahydrate |
| Chemical Formula | CrCl 3 |
| Melting Point | 1,152 °C (anhydrous) 83°C (Hexahydrate) |
| Boiling Point | 1,300 °C |
| Density | 2.87 g/cm³ (anhydrous) 1.760 g/cm³ (hexahydrate) |
| Molar Mass | 158.36 g/mol (anhydrous) 266.45 g/mol (hexahydrate) |
| Solubility in Water | Slightly Soluble |
Uses
In addition to chrome plating in the oilfield industries, chromium III chloride can also be used as a mordant in dyeing and printing all over the world. Besides being used in food additives, feed additives, and other chromium compounds, it is also used in various chemical compounds.Precautions
It should be handled carefully as it can cause an allergic skin reaction to a living being, although trivalent chromium is far less poisonous than hexavalent chromium.Chromium III Chloride Formula FAQs
Q1. What is the chemical formula for Chromium(III) chloride?
Ans. The chemical formula for Chromium(III) chloride is CrCl3, where "Cr" represents chromium, and "Cl" represents chlorine.
Q2. What is the oxidation state of chromium in Chromium(III) chloride?
Ans. Chromium in Chromium(III) chloride has an oxidation state of +3, which means it has lost three electrons.
Q3. Is Chromium(III) chloride a solid or a liquid at room temperature?
Ans. Chromium(III) chloride is a solid at room temperature, appearing as a greenish-blue crystalline compound.
Q4. What is the common name for Chromium(III) chloride?
Ans. The common name for Chromium(III) chloride is chromic chloride.
Q5. What are some common uses of Chromium(III) chloride?
Ans. Chromium(III) chloride is used as a catalyst in organic synthesis and as a mordant in textile dyeing. It also finds application in the production of pigments and corrosion inhibitors.
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