K2Cr2O7 Chemical Formula K2Cr2O7 Chemical Formula

K2Cr2O7 – Potassium Dichromate Molar mass, Uses, and Properties

Potassium Dichromate is a bright red-orange colored crystalline ionic solid and commonly used inorganic chemical reagent in laboratories. It has a chemical formula of K2Cr2O7 and occurs naturally in the form of a mineral called lopezite. The compound has no odor and is also known by the name Potassium Bichromate and Dipotassium bichromate. Although it is soluble in water, it doesn’t dissolve in alcohol or acetone. It is a non-combustible and highly corrosive reagent and is also quite harmful to health.  

Properties of the K2Cr2O7 formula

Chemical formula K2Cr2O7
Molecular weight/ Molar Mass of K2Cr2O7 294.18 g/mol
Color/Appearance of K2Cr2O7 Bright Red-Orange color
State Crystal 
Boiling point of K2Cr2O7 500℃
Melting point of K2Cr2O7 398℃
Density 5.56 g/cm3
Solubility Soluble in water, insoluble in alcohol. 

Uses of Potassium Dichromate

  • Potassium Dichromate is widely used as an oxidizing agent in many industries and laboratories.
  • It is used as a precursor for potassium chrome alum, which is used for leather tanning. 
  • This compound was initially used as a cleaning agent for the glasswares but was later discontinued due to safety concerns.
  • K2Cr2O7 is also used as a reagent for wet tests in analytical chemistry experiments.
  • The compound is used in silver test, sulfur acid dioxide test, and even in ethanol determination as it is insoluble in alcohol.

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