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 NO
3
. Generally, nitrate is non-toxic unless it undergoes reduction to nitrite (NO
2
).
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 [(H
2
O)
6
] (NO
3
)
3
. 3H
2
O
. It exists in two forms: one containing water [Cr(H
2
O)
6
](NO
3
)
3
) and the other being anhydrous Cr(NO
3
)
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:
Cr
2
O
3
+ 6HNO
3
⇢ 2Cr(NO
3
)
3
+ 3H
2
O
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(NO
3
)
3
+ 3Zn ⇢ 2Cr + 3Zn(NO
3
)
2
In the presence of barium sulfate, it generates chromium(III) sulfate and barium nitrate:
Cr(NO
3
)
3
+ 3BaSO
4
⇢ Cr(SO
4
)
3
+ 3BaNO
3
When combined with iron sulfate, it results in chromium(III) sulfate and iron nitrate formation:
2Cr(NO
3
)
3
+ 3FeSO
4
⇢ 3Fe(NO
3
)
2
+ Cr
2
(SO
4
)
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.
