Chromium(VI) oxide facts for kids

Chromium(VI) oxide in a bowl

Chromium(VI) oxide, also called chromium trioxide, is a special chemical compound. Its chemical formula is CrO₃. This means it's made of one chromium atom and three oxygen atoms. It is a solid that looks like dark red crystals. People use it for things like cleaning glass.

What is Chromium(VI) Oxide?

A concentrated solution of potassium dichromate in water.

Chromium(VI) oxide is a type of chemical that contains chromium in a special form. It is a very strong oxidizing agent. This means it can easily take electrons from other substances, causing them to change. For example, it can even make alcohol catch fire if mixed together!

Properties of Chromium(VI) Oxide

This compound is a dark red, crystalline solid. It is very toxic and can irritate your skin. When it dissolves in water, it creates a strong acid called chromic acid. This acid is very powerful.

If you heat chromium(VI) oxide, it releases oxygen gas. It then changes into a different compound called chromium(III) oxide.

How is it Made?

Chromium(VI) oxide is usually made in a lab. Scientists create it by mixing sodium chromate or potassium chromate with sulfuric acid. It can also be made by drying chromic acid.

What is it Used For?

Chromium(VI) oxide has a few important uses:

• It is used to clean glass very well.
• It helps to put a special coating called chromate on different objects.
• It can react with metals to create a layer that stops the metal from rusting or wearing away. This helps things last longer.

Safety Information

Chromium(VI) oxide is a very dangerous chemical. It is extremely toxic and can cause serious irritation if it touches your skin. It is also known to be a carcinogen, which means it can cause cancer. It can also lead to mutations, which are changes in your body's cells.

Because it is so harmful, it must be handled with extreme care. If it needs to be safely removed, it can be treated with a special chemical called a reducing agent, like ferrous sulfate. This helps to make it less dangerous. It is also very bad for the environment if it gets into nature.

Related Pages

• Manganese(VII) oxide
• Chromium(IV) oxide

Images for kids

• 

  Adding sulfuric acid to the solution.

• 

  Chromium trioxide crystals forming from the reaction.

• 

  The reaction between chromium trioxide and ethanol.

See also

In Spanish: Trióxido de cromo para niños