General Description
A white crystalline solid. The primary hazard is the threat to the environment. Immediate steps must be taken to prevent its spread to the environment. CHROMOUS CHLORIDE(10049-05-5) is used to make other chemicals and as an oxygen absorbent.
Reactivity Profile
Inorganic reducing agents, such as CHROMOUS CHLORIDE, react with oxidizing agents to generate heat and products that may be flammable, combustible, or otherwise reactive. Their reactions with oxidizing agents may be violent. Long storage of a chromous chloride solution culminated in an explosion. This was ascribed to the slow buildup of hydrogen gas that was produced by reduction of water by the Cr(II) ion [MCA Case History No. 1660].
Air & Water Reactions
Stable in dry air, but oxidizes rapidly in moist air or standing water with liberation of Hydrogen, [Merck, 11th ed., 1989]. Soluble in water.
Health Hazard
DUST: Harmful if inhaled. SOLID: Irritating to skin and eyes. Harmful if swallowed.
Potential Exposure
It is used in metal alloys and metal finishing; textile treatment including mothproofing, waterproofing, printing; and dying, leather tanning; making photographic chemicals; and green pigments for various uses.
First aid
If this chemical gets into the eyes, remove any contact lenses at once and irrigate immediately for at least 15 minutes, occasionally lifting upper and lower lids. Seek medical attention immediately. If this chemical contacts the skin, remove contaminated clothing and wash immediately with soap and water. Seek medical attention immediately. If this chemical has been inhaled, remove from exposure, begin rescue breathing (using universal precautions, including resuscitation mask) if breathing has stopped and CPR if heart action has stopped. Transfer promptly to a Medical facility. When this chemical has been swallowed, get medical attention. Give large quantities of water and induce vomiting. Do not make an unconscious person vomit.
Shipping
UN3260 Corrosive solid, acidic, inorganic, n.o. s., Hazard class: 8; Labels: 8-Corrosive material, Technical Name Required.
Incompatibilities
Very hygroscopic. The substance is a strong reducing agent. Reacts with oxidizers. Reacts with water, forming flammable hydrogen gas
Description
Chromous chloride is a white-to-blue solid orlustrous needles which turn blue in water. Molecularweight =122.90; Boiling point =1300℃; Meltingpoint =824℃. Hazard Identification (based on NFPA-704M Rating System): Health 1, Flammability 0, Reactivity 0.Soluble in water.
Chemical Properties
Chromous chloride is a white-to-bluish solid or lustrous needles which turn Blue in water
Chemical Properties
grey green powder
storage
Color Code—Yellow Stripe (strong reducingagent): Reactivity Hazard; Store separately in an area isolated from flammables, combustibles, or other yellow-codedmaterials. Prior to working with chromous chloride youshould be trained on its proper handling and storage. Storein tightly closed containers in a cool, well-ventilated areaaway from water and moisture. Where possible, automatically pump liquid from drums or other storage containers toprocess containers.
Purification Methods
It is obtained from the dihydrate by heating in vacuo at 180o. It is a very hygroscopic white powder which dissolves in H2O to give a sky blue solution. It is stable in dry air but oxidises rapidly in moist air and should be stored in air tight containers. It sublimes at 800o in a current of HCl gas and should be cooled in the presence of HCl gas. Alternatively it can be washed with air-free Et2O and dried at 110-120o. [Burg Inorg Synth III 150 1950, Balthis & Bailar (4 H2O) Inorg Synth I 125 1939, Hein & Herzog in Handbook of Preparative Inorganic Chemistry (Ed. Brauer) Academic Press Vol II pp 1336-1338 1965.]
