Potassium dichromate facts for kids

Potassium dichromate is a special chemical substance. It's made of two parts: potassium and something called dichromate. Its chemical formula is K₂Cr₂O₇. This means it has two potassium atoms, two chromium atoms, and seven oxygen atoms joined together. The chromium in this compound is in a specific chemical state, which makes it very reactive.

What is Potassium Dichromate Like?

Potassium dichromate looks like a bright red, shiny solid. It's a powerful chemical that can cause other substances to lose electrons. We call this an 'oxidizing agent'. It works especially well in acidic conditions.

This chemical is also very poisonous. The dichromate part of it can even cause cancer if you are exposed to it a lot. However, it can be made less harmful by mixing it with certain other chemicals, which turn it into a safer, green substance.

How is it Made?

Scientists can make potassium dichromate in a few ways. One way is by combining potassium hydroxide with chromium(III) oxide. Another method is to add an acid to a different chemical called potassium chromate.

Where is it Found?

Potassium dichromate is very rare to find naturally on Earth. When it is found, it's usually in very dry places. This is because if it rains, the chemical easily dissolves in water and gets washed away.

What is it Used For?

Potassium dichromate has many uses:

• It's used as a special chemical called a reagent in many experiments, for example, to test for alcohol. Some breathalyzers (devices that check for alcohol in someone's breath) use this chemical. When alcohol is present, the red chemical turns green.
• It can be used to make chromic acid, which is a strong cleaner often used to clean glass.
• It's sometimes added to cement.
• It helps in the process of tanning leather, which makes leather strong and durable.
• It has uses in photography.
• It can help test for certain metals.
• It is also used to treat wood, helping to preserve it.

Staying Safe Around Potassium Dichromate

Potassium dichromate is a chemical that needs to be handled with great care.

• It can be very irritating if it touches your skin or eyes.
• Breathing in its dust can be dangerous and may cause cancer.
• Because it is a strong oxidizing agent, it can also help start fires if it's near flammable materials.

To make it less harmful, potassium dichromate can be mixed with iron(II) sulfate. This process helps to remove its toxic properties.

Related pages

• Potassium chromate
• Ammonium dichromate
• Chromate

Images for kids

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  Potassium dichromate

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  Acidified solution of potassium dichromate

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  A ~10 mm crystal of potassium dichromate in the same form as the mineral lopezite

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  Patch test

See also

In Spanish: Dicromato de potasio para niños