Chromium sulfate
Encyclopedia
Chromium sulfate usually refers to the inorganic compound
with the formula
Cr2(SO4)3 • 12(H2O). This consists of the hydrated
sulfate salt of the metal aquo complex
with the formula [Cr(H2O)6]3+, which is responsible for the purple color of this salt. It is widely used in the tanning
of leather
, with associated environmental damage.
salts by reduction with sulfur dioxide
, although other methods exist. The hydrous form may be formed by the reaction of chromium(III) oxide
and sulfuric acid
.
Inorganic compound
Inorganic compounds have traditionally been considered to be of inanimate, non-biological origin. In contrast, organic compounds have an explicit biological origin. However, over the past century, the classification of inorganic vs organic compounds has become less important to scientists,...
with the formula
Chemical formula
A chemical formula or molecular formula is a way of expressing information about the atoms that constitute a particular chemical compound....
Cr2(SO4)3 • 12(H2O). This consists of the hydrated
Water of crystallization
In crystallography, water of crystallization or water of hydration or crystallization water is water that occurs in crystals. Water of crystallization is necessary for the maintenance of crystalline properties, but capable of being removed by sufficient heat...
sulfate salt of the metal aquo complex
Metal aquo complex
Metal aquo complexes are coordination compounds containing metal ions with only water as a ligand. These complexes are the predominant species in aqueous solutions of many metal salts, such as metal nitrates, sulfates, and perchlorates. They have the general stoichiometry [Mn]z+. Their behavior...
with the formula [Cr(H2O)6]3+, which is responsible for the purple color of this salt. It is widely used in the tanning
Tanning
Tanning is the making of leather from the skins of animals which does not easily decompose. Traditionally, tanning used tannin, an acidic chemical compound from which the tanning process draws its name . Coloring may occur during tanning...
of leather
Leather
Leather is a durable and flexible material created via the tanning of putrescible animal rawhide and skin, primarily cattlehide. It can be produced through different manufacturing processes, ranging from cottage industry to heavy industry.-Forms:...
, with associated environmental damage.
Properties
Heating chromium(III) sulfate leads to partial dehydration to give a hydrated green salt (CAS#10031-37-5) and eventually the anhydrous derivative (CAS#10101-53-8).Production
Basic chromium sulfate is produced from chromateChromate
Chromate salts contain the chromate anion, CrO42−. Dichromate salts contain the dichromate anion, Cr2O72−. They are oxyanions of chromium in the oxidation state +6. They are moderately strong oxidizing agents.- Chemical properties :...
salts by reduction with sulfur dioxide
Sulfur dioxide
Sulfur dioxide is the chemical compound with the formula . It is released by volcanoes and in various industrial processes. Since coal and petroleum often contain sulfur compounds, their combustion generates sulfur dioxide unless the sulfur compounds are removed before burning the fuel...
, although other methods exist. The hydrous form may be formed by the reaction of chromium(III) oxide
Chromium(III) oxide
Chromium oxide is the inorganic compound of the formula Cr2O3. It is one of principal oxides of chromium and is used as a pigment. In nature, it occurs as the rare mineral eskolaite.-Structure and properties:...
and sulfuric acid
Sulfuric acid
Sulfuric acid is a strong mineral acid with the molecular formula . Its historical name is oil of vitriol. Pure sulfuric acid is a highly corrosive, colorless, viscous liquid. The salts of sulfuric acid are called sulfates...
.
- Cr2O3 + 3 H2SO4 → Cr2(SO4)3 + 3 H2O