View source for Chromate and dichromate

{{Short description|Chromium(VI) anions}}
{{About|the salts of the chromium(VI) anion||Chromate (disambiguation){{!}}Chromate|text=See also for disambiguation of derived terms.}}
{{Distinguish|chromite (compound)|monochromat|dichromat|trichromat|tetrachromat}}
{{Chembox
| ImageFileL1 = Chromate-2D-dimensions.png
| ImageClassL1 = skin-invert-image
| ImageAltL1 =
| ImageSizeL1 = 75px
| ImageFileR1 = Dichromate-2D-dimensions.png
| ImageClassR1 = skin-invert-image
| ImageAltR1 = The structure and bonding of the dichromate ion
| ImageSizeR1 = 150px
| ImageFileL2 = Chromate-3D-balls.png
| ImageClassL2 = bg-transparent
| ImageAltL2 = [[Ball-and-stick model]] of the chromate anion
| ImageSizeL2 = 75px
| ImageFileR2 = Dichromate-3D-balls.png
| ImageClassR2 = bg-transparent
| ImageAltR2 = Space-filling model of the dichromate anion
| ImageSizeR2 = 150px
| SystematicName = Chromate and dichromate
| IUPACName =
| OtherNames =
| Section1 = {{Chembox Identifiers
| index_label = chromate
| index1_label = dichromate
| CASNo = 13907-45-4
| CASNo_Ref = {{Cascite|changed|CAS}}
| CASNo1 = 13907-47-6
| CASNo1_Ref = {{Cascite|changed|CAS}}
| ChEBI = 35404
| ChEBI1 = 33141
| ChemSpiderID = 22869
| ChemSpiderID1 = 22911
| DrugBank1 = DB14182
| DTXSID = DTXSID7065675
| DTXSID1 = DTXSID5074004
| PubChem = 24461
| PubChem1 = 24503
| UNII = 9S2Y101D6M
| UNII1 = 9LKY4BFN2V
| InChI=1S/Cr.4O/q;;;2*-1
| InChIKey=ZCDOYSPFYFSLEW-UHFFFAOYSA-N
| InChI1=1S/2Cr.7O/q;;;;;;;2*-1
| InChIKey1=SOCTUWSJJQCPFX-UHFFFAOYSA-N
| SMILES1 = O=[Cr](=O)([O-])O[Cr](=O)(=O)[O-]
| SMILES = [O-][Cr](=O)(=O)[O-]
 }}
| Section2 = {{Chembox Properties
| Formula = {{chem2|CrO4(2-)}} and {{chem2|Cr2O7(2-)}}
| MolarMass = 115.994 g mol<sup>−1</sup> and 215.988 g mol<sup>−1</sup>
| Appearance =
| Solubility = 
| ConjugateAcid = [[Chromic acid]]}}
| Section3 = {{Chembox Hazards
| MainHazards =
| FlashPt =
| AutoignitionPt = }}
}}

'''Chromate''' salts contain the chromate anion, {{chem2|CrO4(2-)}}. '''Dichromate''' salts contain the dichromate anion, {{chem2|Cr2O7(2-)}}. They are [[oxyanion]]s of [[chromium]] in the +6 [[oxidation state]] and are moderately strong [[oxidizing agent]]s. In an [[aqueous]] [[Solution (chemistry)|solution]], chromate and dichromate ions can be interconvertible.

== Chemical properties ==
<gallery widths="200" heights="150">
Potassium-chromate-sample.jpg|[[Potassium chromate]]
Potassium-dichromate-sample.jpg|[[Potassium dichromate]]
</gallery>
Chromates react with [[hydrogen peroxide]], giving products in which [[peroxide]], {{chem2|O2(2−)}}, replaces one or more oxygen atoms. In acid solution the unstable blue peroxo complex [[Chromium(VI) oxide peroxide]], {{Chem2|CrO(O2)2}}, is formed; it is an uncharged [[covalent]] molecule, which may be extracted into [[ether (chemistry)|ether]]. Addition of [[pyridine]] results in the formation of the more stable complex {{Chem2|CrO(O2)2([[pyridine]])}}.<ref>{{Greenwood&Earnshaw2nd|page=637}}</ref>

=== Acid–base properties ===
In aqueous solution, chromate and dichromate anions exist in a [[chemical equilibrium]].
:{{Chem2|2 CrO4(2-) + 2 H+ ⇌ Cr2O7(2-) + H2O}}
The [[predominance diagram]] shows that the position of the equilibrium depends on both [[pH]] and the analytical concentration of chromium.<ref group=notes>pCr is equal to the negative of the decimal logarithm of the [[molar concentration]] of chromium. Thus, when pCr&nbsp;=&nbsp;2, the chromium concentration is 10<sup>−2</sup>&nbsp;mol/L.</ref> 
[[File:Predominance diagram Cr.png|thumb|left|[[Predominance diagram]] for chromate]]
The chromate ion is the predominant species in alkaline solutions, but dichromate can become the predominant ion in acidic solutions.

Further condensation reactions can occur in strongly acidic solution with the formation of '''trichromates''', {{chem2|Cr3O10(2−)}}, and '''tetrachromates''', {{chem2|Cr4O13(2−)}}.<ref>{{Cite journal |last1=Nazarchuk |first1=Evgeny V. |last2=Siidra |first2=Oleg I. |last3=Charkin |first3=Dmitry O. |last4=Kalmykov |first4=Stepan N. |last5=Kotova |first5=Elena L. |date=2021-02-01 |title=Effect of solution acidity on the crystallization of polychromates in uranyl-bearing systems: synthesis and crystal structures of Rb2[(UO2)(Cr2O7)(NO3)2] and two new polymorphs of Rb2Cr3O10 |url=https://www.degruyter.com/document/doi/10.1515/zkri-2020-0078/html |journal=Zeitschrift für Kristallographie - Crystalline Materials |language=en |volume=236 |issue=1–2 |pages=11–21 |doi=10.1515/zkri-2020-0078 |s2cid=231808339 |issn=2196-7105|url-access=subscription }}</ref> All poly[[oxyanions]] of chromium(VI) have structures made up of tetrahedral {{chem2|CrO4}} units sharing corners.<ref>{{Greenwood&Earnshaw2nd|page = 1009}}</ref>

The hydrogen chromate ion, {{chem2|HCrO4−}}, is a [[weak acid]]:
:{{chem2|HCrO4− ⇌ CrO4(2−) + H+}};{{spaces|5}} p''K''<sub>a</sub>&nbsp;≈&nbsp;5.9
It is also in equilibrium with the dichromate ion:
:{{chem2|2 HCrO4− ⇌ Cr2O7(2−) + H2O}}
This equilibrium does not involve a change in hydrogen ion concentration, which would predict that the equilibrium is independent of pH. The red line on the predominance diagram is not quite horizontal due to the simultaneous equilibrium with the chromate ion. The hydrogen chromate ion may be protonated, with the formation of molecular [[chromic acid]], {{chem2|H2CrO4}}, but the [[acid dissociation constant|p''K''<sub>a</sub>]] for the equilibrium 
:{{Chem2|H2CrO4 ⇌ HCrO4- + H+}}
is not well characterized. Reported values vary between about −0.8 and 1.6.<ref>[http://www.acadsoft.co.uk/scdbase/scdbase.htm IUPAC SC-Database]. A comprehensive database of published data on equilibrium constants of metal complexes and ligands.</ref>

The dichromate ion is a somewhat weaker base than the chromate ion:<ref>{{cite journal |last=Brito |first=F. |author2=Ascanioa, J. |author3=Mateoa, S. |author4=Hernándeza, C. |author5=Araujoa, L. |author6=Gili, P. |author7=Martín-Zarzab, P. |author8=Domínguez, S. |author9=Mederos, A. |year=1997 |title=Equilibria of chromate(VI) species in acid medium and ab initio studies of these species |journal=Polyhedron |volume=16 |issue=21 |pages=3835–3846 |doi=10.1016/S0277-5387(97)00128-9}}</ref>
:{{Chem2|HCr2O7- ⇌ Cr2O7(2-) + H+}},{{spaces|5}} p''K''<sub>a</sub>&nbsp;=&nbsp;1.18
The p''K''<sub>a</sub> value for this reaction shows that it can be ignored at pH&nbsp;>&nbsp;4.

=== Oxidation–reduction properties ===
The chromate and dichromate ions are fairly strong [[oxidizing agent]]s. Commonly three electrons are added to a chromium atom, [[reduction (chemistry)|reducing]] it to oxidation state +3. In acid solution the [[aqueous solution|aquated]] {{chem2|Cr(3+)}} ion is produced.
:{{chem2|Cr2O7(2−) + 14 H+ + 6 e− → 2 Cr(3+) + 7 H2O}}{{spaces|5}} ''ε''<sub>0</sub>&nbsp;=&nbsp;1.33&nbsp;V
In alkaline solution [[chromium(III) hydroxide]] is produced. The [[redox potential]] shows that chromates are weaker [[oxidizing agent]] in [[alkaline]] solution than in [[acid]] solution.<ref name="HollemanAF">{{Holleman&Wiberg}}.</ref> 
:{{chem2|CrO4(2−) + 4 H2O + 3 e− → Cr(OH)3 + 5 OH-}}{{spaces|5}} ''ε''<sub>0</sub>&nbsp;=&nbsp;−0.13&nbsp;V

==Applications==
[[File:Laidlaw school bus.jpg|thumb| right| [[School bus]] painted in [[Chrome yellow]]<ref name="Yellow">{{cite book | title = Toxic Substances Controls Guide: Federal Regulation of Chemicals in the Environment | first = Mary Devine | last = Worobec |author2=Hogue, Cheryl| page = 13 | publisher=BNA Books | year = 1992 | isbn = 978-0-87179-752-0 | url =https://books.google.com/books?id=CjWQ6_7AnI4C&pg=PA13}}</ref>]]
Approximately {{convert|136000|tonne}} of [[hexavalent chromium]], mainly sodium dichromate, were produced in 1985.<ref name = Ullmann>{{cite book |last1=Anger |first1=Gerd |last2=Halstenberg |first2=Jost |last3=Hochgeschwender |first3=Klaus |author4=Scherhag, Christoph |author5=Korallus, Ulrich |author6=Knopf, Herbert |author7=Schmidt, Peter |author8=Ohlinger, Manfred |title=Ullmann's Encyclopedia of Industrial Chemistry |year=2005 |publisher=Wiley-VCH |location=Weinheim |doi=10.1002/14356007.a07_067 |chapter=Chromium Compounds|isbn=3527306730}}</ref> Chromates and dichromates are used in [[chrome plating]] to protect metals from corrosion and to improve paint adhesion. Chromate and dichromate salts of [[heavy metals]], [[lanthanide]]s and [[alkaline earth metal]]s are only very slightly soluble in water and are thus used as pigments. The lead-containing pigment [[chrome yellow]] was used for a very long time before environmental regulations discouraged its use.<ref name="Yellow"/> When used as oxidizing agents or [[Titration|titrants]] in a [[redox]] [[chemical reaction]], chromates and dichromates convert into trivalent chromium, {{chem2|Cr(3+)}}, salts of which typically have a distinctively different blue-green color.<ref name=Ullmann/>

==Natural occurrence and production==
[[File:Crocoite from Tasmania.jpg|thumb|Crocoite specimen from the Red Lead Mine, [[Tasmania]], [[Australia]]]]
The primary chromium ore is the mixed metal oxide [[chromite]], {{chem2|FeCr2O4}}, found as brittle metallic black crystals or granules. Chromite ore is heated with a mixture of [[calcium carbonate]] and [[sodium carbonate]] in the presence of air. The chromium is oxidized to the hexavalent form, while the iron forms iron(III) oxide, {{chem2|Fe2O3}}:
:{{chem2|4 FeCr2O4 + 8 Na2CO3 + 7 O2 -> 8 Na2CrO4 + 2 Fe2O3 + 8 CO2}}

Subsequent leaching of this material at higher temperatures dissolves the chromates, leaving a residue of insoluble iron oxide. Normally the chromate solution is further processed to make chromium metal, but a chromate salt may be obtained directly from the liquor.<ref name="IndMin">{{cite book | title =Industrial Minerals & Rocks: Commodities, Markets, and Uses | edition = 7th | publisher = SME | year = 2006 | isbn = 978-0-87335-233-8 | chapter = Chromite | first = John F. | last = Papp |author2=Lipin Bruce R. | chapter-url = https://books.google.com/books?id=zNicdkuulE4C&pg=PA309}}</ref>

Chromate containing minerals are rare. [[Crocoite]], {{chem2|PbCrO4}}, which can occur as spectacular long red crystals, is the most commonly found chromate mineral. Rare potassium chromate minerals and related compounds are found in the [[Atacama Desert]]. Among them is [[lópezite]] – the only known dichromate mineral.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.mindat.org |title=Mines, Minerals and More |website=www.mindat.org}}{{page needed|date=February 2020}}</ref>

As chromate is [[isostructural]] to [[sulfate]], sulfate and chromate minerals can form [[solid solution]]s such as [[hashemite (mineral)|hashemite]], and chromate minerals are often listed alongside [[sulfate mineral]]s in mineral classification schemes such as [[Nickel-Strunz classification]].

==Toxicity==
{{Further|Hexavalent chromium#Toxicity}}

[[Hexavalent chromium]] compounds can be [[toxic]] and [[carcinogenic]] ([[IARC Group 1]]). Inhaling particles of hexavalent chromium compounds can cause [[lung cancer]]. Also positive associations have been observed between exposure to [[chromium (VI)]] compounds and [[cancer]] of the [[nose]] and [[nasal sinuses]].<ref name=book100C>{{cite book
 |author = IARC
 |author-link = International Agency for Research on Cancer
 |title = Volume 100C: Arsenic, Metals, Fibres, and Dusts
 |orig-year = 17–24 March 2009
 |url = https://publications.iarc.fr/_publications/media/download/3026/50ed50733f7d1152d91b30a803619022ef098d59.pdf
 |access-date = 2020-01-05
 |date = 2012
 |isbn = 978-92-832-0135-9
 |quote = There is ''sufficient evidence'' in humans for the [[carcinogenicity]] of chromium (VI) compounds. Chromium (VI) compounds cause cancer of the lung. Also positive associations have been observed between exposure to chromium (VI) compounds and cancer of the nose and nasal sinuses. There is ''sufficient evidence'' in experimental animals for the carcinogenicity of chromium (VI) compounds. Chromium (VI) compounds are ''carcinogenic to humans (Group 1)''.
 |publisher = International Agency for Research on Cancer
 |location = Lyon
 |archive-date = 2020-03-17
 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20200317095517/https://publications.iarc.fr/_publications/media/download/3026/50ed50733f7d1152d91b30a803619022ef098d59.pdf
 |url-status = dead
}}</ref> The use of chromate compounds in manufactured goods is restricted in the EU (and by market commonality the rest of the world) by EU Parliament directive on the [[Restriction of Hazardous Substances Directive|Restriction of Hazardous Substances (RoHS) Directive (2002/95/EC)]].

== See also ==
*[[Chromate conversion coating]]

== Notes ==
{{Reflist|group=notes}}

==References==
{{reflist|30em}}

== External links ==
*[http://www.npi.gov.au/substances/chromium-vi/index.html National Pollutant Inventory - Chromium(VI) and compounds fact sheet]
*[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zP9qEiaL4kQ Demonstration of chromate-dichromate equilibrium]

{{Chromium compounds}}
{{Chromates and dichromates}}

[[Category:Chromates| ]]
[[Category:Oxidizing agents]]
[[Category:Transition metal oxyanions]]
[[Category:Oxometallates]]