What is Potassium chromate?
[[File:Kaliumchromat.JPG|thumb|Potassium chromate]] '''Potassium chromate''' is a [[chemical compound]]. Its chemical formula is K<sub>2</sub>CrO<sub>4</sub>. It has [[potassium]] and [[chromate]] [[ion]]s. ==Properties== It is a yellow [[crystalline]] solid. It is an [[oxidizing agent]] in an [[acid]]ic condition. It is toxic though, because it contains [[chromium]] in its +6 [[oxidation state]]. It can be destroyed by reaction with [[reducing agent]]s. It is very rarely found in the ground. It reacts with [[lead nitrate]] to make [[lead chromate]], a yellow pigment. ==Preparation== It is made by reacting [[chromium trioxide]] with [[potassium hydroxide]]. It can also be made by [[oxidation]] of potassium hydroxide and [[chromium(III) oxide]]. ==Occurrence== Potassium chromate is found very rarely as a [[mineral]]. It dissolves easily in water. It is only found in very dry places. ==Uses== It is used to test for [[chloride]] [[ion]]s. It can also be used to make lead chromate for paint. ==Safety== Potassium chromate is very toxic. It is a [[carcinogen]]. It reacts with [[reducing agent]]s [[violence|violently]] when in [[acid]]. ==Related pages== *[[Dichromate]] *[[Sodium chromate]] *[[Chromium(III) oxide]] [[Category:Potassium compounds]] [[Category:Chromium compounds]]