What is sodium dichromate used for? What is the function of na2cr2o7? How toxic is sodium dichromate? Where can I find sodium dichromate

Na₂Cr₂O₇ 

Sodium dichromate is an inorganic compound with the formula Na2Cr2O7. However, the salt is usually handled as its dihydrate Na2Cr2O7·2H2O. Virtually all chromium ore is processed via conversion to sodium dichromate and virtually all compounds and materials based on chromium are prepared from this salt. In terms of reactivity and appearance, sodium dichromate and potassium dichromate are very similar. The sodium salt is, however, around twenty times more soluble in water than the potassium salt.

Sodium dichromate is a chemical compound with the formula Na2Cr2O7. It is a bright orange, crystalline solid and is a powerful oxidizing agent. The compound contains chromium in the +6 oxidation state.

Uses of Sodium Dichromate:

Oxidizing Agent: Sodium dichromate is a strong oxidizing agent and is often used in various chemical processes to facilitate oxidation reactions.

Corrosion Inhibitor: It is used as a corrosion inhibitor in some cooling water systems.

Wood Preservative: Historically, sodium dichromate was used as a wood preservative to protect wood from decay and insect damage. However, its use in this application has diminished due to environmental and health concerns associated with the toxicity of chromium compounds.

Dyes and Pigments: It is used in the production of certain dyes and pigments.

Laboratory Reagent: Sodium dichromate is used in laboratories as a reagent in various chemical tests and experiments.

Photography: It has been used in the photography industry as a component of certain photographic chemicals.

It's important to note that the use of sodium dichromate has raised environmental and health concerns, particularly due to the toxicity of hexavalent chromium, a form of chromium in which the metal has a +6 oxidation state. Hexavalent chromium is known to be carcinogenic and poses significant health risks. Consequently, there has been a move towards finding alternative substances in applications where sodium dichromate was traditionally used.

Formula: Na₂Cr₂O₇·2H₂O

Molecular Weight: 298 g/mol
Form: bright red-orange crystalline solid

CAS Number: 7789-12-0
EC Number: 234-190-3

Density: 2.52 g/cm³
Synonyms: Sodium dichromate, Sodium bichromate, Celcure, Natriumdichromat, Oakite, Composition No. 155, Sodio (dicromato di), Wood Cure A Wood Preservative