Chemical Safety Data: Potassium dichromate

Common synonyms

None

Formula

K₂Cr₂O₇

Physical properties

Form: orange-red crystalline solid
Stability: Stable
Melting point: 398 C
Boiling point: 500 C
Specific gravity: 2.68

Principal hazards

** Potassium dichromate is toxic if swallowed, inhaled or absorbed through the skin. It is corrosive and may produce severe eye damage.
** Chromium (VI) compounds are carcinogens.
** Potassium dichromate may act as a sensitizer.
** This material is a strong oxidizing agent and reacts vigorously or explosively with a wide variety of reducing agents.

Safe handling

Wear safety glasses and gloves. Work in a well ventilated area, preferably using a fume cupboard. Ensure that any spills are cleaned up without delay.
"Chromic acid" baths, which were once widely used for cleaning glassware, should not be used unless (a) there is no alternative available for cleaning, and (b) a suitable procedure has been determined BEFORE work starts for disposing of waste. Note that, since chromium (VI) is a carcinogen, used chromic acid cannot be disposed of down the drains. Chromic acid is, in any case, a very dangerous material and should not be used unless it is absolutely necessary.

Emergency

Eye contact: Immediately flush the eye with water. Call for medical help.
Skin contact: Wash off with soap and water.
If swallowed: Call for medical help.

Disposal

Store for later disposal as solid waste. Ensure that the container is marked both with the name of the chemical and a statement that it is a strong oxidizer and a carcinogen.

Protective equipment

Safety glasses, gloves.

Further information

Potassium dichromate
Chemicals in the HSci database
More extensive safety data

Link to the Oxford HSci web site
We have tried to make this information as accurate and useful as possible, but can take no responsibility for its use, misuse, or accuracy. We have not verified this information, and cannot guarantee that it is up-to-date.
Oxford, March 17, 2005

Common synonyms	None
Formula	K₂Cr₂O₇
Physical properties	Form: orange-red crystalline solid Stability: Stable Melting point: 398 C Boiling point: 500 C Specific gravity: 2.68
Principal hazards	Potassium dichromate is toxic if swallowed, inhaled or absorbed through the skin. It is corrosive and may produce severe eye damage. Chromium (VI) compounds are carcinogens. Potassium dichromate may act as a sensitizer. This material is a strong oxidizing agent and reacts vigorously or explosively with a wide variety of reducing agents.
Safe handling	Wear safety glasses and gloves. Work in a well ventilated area, preferably using a fume cupboard. Ensure that any spills are cleaned up without delay. "Chromic acid" baths, which were once widely used for cleaning glassware, should not be used unless (a) there is no alternative available for cleaning, and (b) a suitable procedure has been determined BEFORE work starts for disposing of waste. Note that, since chromium (VI) is a carcinogen, used chromic acid cannot be disposed of down the drains. Chromic acid is, in any case, a very dangerous material and should not be used unless it is absolutely necessary.
Emergency	Eye contact: Immediately flush the eye with water. Call for medical help. Skin contact: Wash off with soap and water. If swallowed: Call for medical help.
Disposal	Store for later disposal as solid waste. Ensure that the container is marked both with the name of the chemical and a statement that it is a strong oxidizer and a carcinogen.
Protective equipment	Safety glasses, gloves.
Further information	Potassium dichromate Chemicals in the HSci database More extensive safety data