Potassium dichromate is a potassium salt that is the dipotassium salt of dichromic acid. It has a role as an oxidising agent, an allergen and a sensitiser. It contains a dichromate(2-). Potassium bichromate appears as orange red crystals.
Potassium dichromate is a potassium salt that is the dipotassium salt of dichromic acid. It has a role as an oxidising agent, an allergen and a sensitiser.
Primary and secondary alcohols are oxidized by K2Cr2O7 to carboxylic acids and ketones respectively. The oxidation is physically observed by the change in color upon reduction of Cr6+ (yellow) to Cr3+ (blue). This demonstration also illustrates the chemistry behind the breathalyzer test.
Potassium dichromate is used for preparing strong cleaning solutions for glassware and for etching materials. It also has uses in leather tanning, photographic processing, cement, and wood staining.
