General Description
Chromic acid is a dark purplish red solid, exists only in solution. The hydrate of chromiumoxide, it is used in electroplating baths. Chromic acid is soluble in water with the release of heat. The material itself is noncombustible but Chromic acid will accelerate the burning of combustible materials. Its solution is corrosive to metals and tissue.
Air & Water Reactions
Water soluble.
Reactivity Profile
A very powerful oxidizing agent, confirmed human carcinogen. Upon contact with reducing reagents Chromic acid can cause a violent explosion, in contact with organic matter Chromic acid may cause a violent oxidation leading to ignition. Dangerously reactive with acetone, alcohols, alkali metals (sodium, potassium), ammonia, arsenic, dimethylformamide, hydrogen sulfide, phosphorus, peroxyformic acid, pyridine, selenium, sulfur, and many other chemicals [Sax, 9th ed., 1996, p. 852]. When mixed with sulfuric acid for glass cleaning operations, used solution in closed bottle may explode due to internal pressure of carbon dioxide arising from contamination by carbon compounds [Bryson, W. R., Chem. Brit., 1975, 11, p. 377].
Health Hazard
Very irritating to eyes and respiratory tract. Ingestion causes severe gastrointestinal symptoms. Contact with eyes or skin causes burns; prolonged contact produces dermatitis (``chrome sores'').
Fire Hazard
Behavior in Fire: Containers may explode
Hazard
A human carcinogen. A poison. Corrosive
to skin. Powerful oxidizing agent, may explode on
contact with reducing agents, may ignite on contact with organic materials. Upper respiratory tract
irritant.
Potential Exposure
n chromium plating; medicine, ceramic glazers, and paints.
First aid
Move victim to fresh air. Call 911 or emergency Medical service. Give artificial respiration if victim is not breathing. Do not use mouth-to-mouth method if victim ingested or inhaled the substance; give artificial respiration with the aid of a pocket mask equipped with a one-way valve or other proper respiratory medical device. Administer oxygen if breathing is difficult. Remove and isolate contaminated clothing and shoes. In case of contact with substance, immediately flush skin or eyes with running water for at least 20 minutes. For minor skin contact, Chromic(VI) Acid 833 Avoid spreading material on unaffected skin. Keep victim warm and quiet. Effects of exposure (inhalation, ingestion, or skin contact) to substance may be delayed. Ensure that medical personnel are aware of the material(s) involved and take precautions to protect themselves. Medical observation is recommended for 24 to 48 hours after breathing overexposure, as pulmonary edema may be delayed. As first aid for pulmonary edema, a doctor or authorized paramedic may consider administering a drug or other inhalation therapy
Shipping
UN1463 Chromium trioxide, anhydrous, Hazard Class: 5.1; Labels: 5.1-Oxidizer, 6.1-Poisonous materials, 8-Corrosive material. UN1755 (solution) Chromic acid, solid, Hazard class: 8; Labels: 8-Corrosive material.
Incompatibilities
A strong oxidizer. Aqueous solution is strongly acidic. Reacts with acetic acid, acetic anhydride, acetone, anthracene, chromous sulfide; diethyl ether; dimethyl formamide; ethanol, hydrogen sulfide; methanol, naphthalene, camphor, glycerol, potassium ferricyanide, pyridine, turpentine, combustibles; organics, and other easily oxidized materials (such as paper, wood, sulfur, aluminum, and plastics). Attacks metals in presence of moisture
Description
Chromic acid, CrO3, is composed of dark, purplish-red, odorless crystals that are soluble in water. The specific gravity is 2.7, which is heavier than water. It is a powerful oxidizing agent and may explode on contact with organic materials. Chromic acid is a poison, corrosive to the skin, and has a TLV of 0.05 mg/m3 of air. Chromic acid is a known human carcinogen. The four-digit UN identification number is 1463. The NFPA 704 designation is health 3, flammability 0, and reactivity 1. The white section at the bottom of the 704 diamond has an “oxy” prefix, indicating that it is an oxidizer.
Chemical Properties
Chromic acid is a dark purplish-red odorless flakes or crystalline powder
Waste Disposal
Chemical reduction to chromium(III) can be followed by land fill disposal of the sludge.
storage
Color Code—Yellow: Reactive Hazard; Store in alocation separate from other materials, especially flammables and combustibles. Color Code—Blue: HealthHazard/Poison: Store in a secure poison location. Prior toworking with chromic acid you should be trained on itsproper handling and storage. Store in tightly closedcontainers in a cool, well-ventilated area away from acetone, combustible, organic or other readily oxidizable material (such as paper, wood, sulfur, aluminum, and plastics).Sources of ignition, such as smoking and open flames, areprohibited where Chromic acid is used, handled, or storedin a manner that could create a potential fire or explosionhazard. A storage hazard; sealed containers may burst fromcarbon dioxide release. Store in tightly closed containers ina dry, cool, well-ventilated place with nonwood floors.Keep away from combustible materials; alcohols; and acetone. Where possible, automatically transfer chromic acidfrom drums or other storage containers to process containers. Containers may explode in fire. See OSHA Standard1910.104 and NFPA 43A Code for the Storage of Liquidand Solid Oxidizers for detailed handling and storage regulations. A regulated, marked area should be establishedwhere this chemical is handled, used, or stored in compliance with OSHA Standard 1910.1045