What is Chromium(VI) oxide?
[[File:Chrom(VI)-oxid.jpg|thumb|Chromium(VI) oxide in bowl]] '''Chromium(VI) oxide''', also known as '''chromium trioxide''', is a [[chemical compound]]. Its chemical formula is CrO<sub>3</sub>.It has [[chromium]] in its +6 [[oxidation state]]. It also has [[oxide]] [[ion]]s. It is a solid used in cleaning glass. Chromium-6 is odorless and tasteless. ==Properties== It is a dark red [[crystalline]] solid. It is a strong [[oxidizing agent]]. It can [[burn|ignite]] [[alcohol]] when it is mixed with it.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.chemeurope.com/lexikon/e/Chromium_trioxide/ |title=ChemEurope--Chromium trioxide |publisher=ChemEurope |access-date=15 November 2010 |archive-date=3 December 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071203090551/http://www.chemeurope.com/lexikon/e/Chromium_trioxide |url-status=dead }}</ref> It is very [[toxic]] and irritates skin. It is a stronger oxidizing agent than chromate. It [[solution|dissolves]] in water to make [[chromic acid]], which is [[acid]]ic. It reacts with strong [[base (chemistry)|bases]] to make chromates. It gives off [[oxygen]] when heated and turns into [[chromium(III) oxide]]. ==Preparation== It is normally made by reacting [[sodium chromate]] or [[potassium chromate]] with [[sulfuric acid]]. It can also be made by drying [[chromic acid]]. ==Uses== It is used to clean [[glass]]. It is also used to plate chromate on things. It reacts with metals to make a metal chromate which stops the metal from [[corrosion|corroding]]. ==Safety== Chromium(VI) oxide is very toxic and irritating. It is a [[carcinogen]] and can cause [[mutation]]s. It can be destroyed by reacting it with a [[reducing agent]] like [[ferrous sulfate]]. It is a dangerous hazard to the environment. ==Related pages== *[[Manganese(VII) oxide]] *[[Chromium(IV) oxide]] ==References== <references/> [[Category:Chromium compounds]] [[Category:Oxides]]