Chromic Acid
Dihydroxidodioxidochromium, Tetraoxochromic Acid
- CAS
- 7738-94-5
- EC
- 231-801-5
- Sectors
- Mining & Metals
Chromic Acid (CAS 7738-94-5) is a high-purity industrial oxidizing agent, a hexavalent chromium compound supplied as dark purplish-red odorless flakes or crystalline powder, and is used in chrome plating, anodizing, metal cleaning, etching and specialty pigment production. Known for its strong reactivity and reliability in metal finishing and surface preparation, it is used where precise oxidation performance and strict process control are required.
Typical Properties
| Molecular formula | CrH2O4 |
|---|---|
| Molecular weight | 118.01 g/mol |
| Appearance | Chromic acid is a dark purplish-red odorless flakes or crystalline powder |
| Form | Liquid |
| Color | Clear, orange |
| Odor | Odorless |
| Melting point | 196 °C |
| Boiling point | 250 °C (decomposes) |
| Density | 1.67-2.82 g/cm³ |
| Water solubility | HIGHLY Soluble |
| pH | 3.03(1 mM solution);2.33(10 mM solution);2.06(100 mM solution) |
| GHS signal word | Danger · Oxidizing, Corrosive, Acute toxicity, Irritant / harmful, Health hazard, Environmental hazard |
| Grades available | Technical Grade |
Typical literature values for identification; lot-specific results are stated on the certificate of analysis (COA) and the safety data sheet (SDS) that accompany every delivery.
Chromic Acid
Applications
Applied in chrome-plating and anodising operations; used in metal cleaning, etching, catalyst preparation, and specialty pigment production; essential in controlled laboratory oxidation processes; and historically in wood treatments in regions where permitted.
Safety & Risks
A highly hazardous substance with severe corrosive, carcinogenic, mutagenic, and environmental risks. Requires strict containment, full PPE, proper ventilation, and compliance with all regulatory reporting. Avoid any contact with combustibles and segregate from incompatible materials. Personnel must be trained in handling hexavalent chromium.
Packaging
Supplied in 25–50 kg steel drums or heavy-duty lined bags. Classified as UN 1463, Oxidising Agent. Store locked, dry, and isolated in well-ventilated facilities with spill-control systems.