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Chromium(III) chloride

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Identification
Molecular formula
CrCl3
CAS number
10025-73-7
IUPAC name
trichlorochromium
State
State

At room temperature, chromium(III) chloride is typically found as a solid. The anhydrous form remains stable, whereas the hydrated forms may exhibit slight variations in color but predominantly occur as solids at ambient conditions.

Melting point (Celsius)
1 152.00
Melting point (Kelvin)
1 425.00
Boiling point (Celsius)
1 300.00
Boiling point (Kelvin)
1 573.00
General information
Molecular weight
158.36g/mol
Molar mass
158.3600g/mol
Density
2.8700g/cm3
Appearence

Chromium(III) chloride appears as a light purple, crystalline solid in its anhydrous form or as a blue/green crystalline solid when it is hydrated. The hydrated form is often seen as a dark greenish substance.

Comment on solubility

Solubility of Trichlorochromium (CrCl3)

Trichlorochromium, with the chemical formula CrCl3, is known for its interesting solubility characteristics. In general, this compound exhibits the following properties regarding its solubility:

  • Water Solubility: CrCl3 is highly soluble in water, allowing it to readily dissociate into chromium cations (Cr3+) and chloride anions (Cl-). This property is particularly useful in various chemical applications.
  • Solvent Interaction: In addition to water, CrCl3 may also dissolve in certain polar organic solvents, although its solubility varies depending on the solvent's properties.
  • pH Dependency: The solubility of CrCl3 can be influenced by the pH of the solution, where more acidic conditions can lead to increased solubility due to enhanced ionization.
  • Hydration Energy: The dissolution process is energetically favorable due to the significant hydration energy released when the ions are solvated by water molecules.

Overall, the solubility of trichlorochromium in water not only highlights the ability of this compound to participate in various reactions but also emphasizes its importance in both industrial and laboratory settings. As a result, understanding its solubility behavior is essential for effective utilization in chemical processes.

Interesting facts

Interesting Facts about Trichlorochromium (CrCl3)

Trichlorochromium is a fascinating chemical compound with several noteworthy characteristics and applications. Below are some intriguing aspects of this compound:

  • Transition Metal Chemistry: Trichlorochromium belongs to the category of transition metal chlorides, which are important in various chemical reactions and catalysis due to their unique electronic properties.
  • Oxidation States: Chromium can exhibit multiple oxidation states, and in CrCl3, it is found in the +3 oxidation state. This is significant as the oxidation state influences the reactivity and stability of the compound.
  • Preparation Methods: There are several methods for synthesizing trichlorochromium, such as reacting chromium metal with chlorine gas or through the hydrochloric acid treatment of chromium oxides. Each method can yield different forms of the compound.
  • Catalytic Properties: Trichlorochromium is known for its role in catalysis, particularly in organic synthesis where it facilitates various reactions, showcasing the versatility of chromium compounds.
  • Industrial Applications: The compound is utilized in various industrial processes, including the production of pigments, which are essential in manufacturing paints and coatings due to their vibrant colors.
  • Environmental Aspect: As with many chromium compounds, it's essential to consider the environmental impact. Chromium, particularly in hexavalent form, has been linked to toxicity, though trichlorochromium is less harmful compared to its hexavalent counterpart.

In conclusion, trichlorochromium serves as an intriguing example of transition metal chemistry with diverse applications and significant implications in both industry and environmental science. Its study continues to be a vibrant area of research in inorganic chemistry.

Synonyms
Trichlorochromium
chromic trichloride
Chromic chloride anhydrous
Chromium(III) chloride, anhydrous
Chromium(3+) chloride
CrCl3
CCRIS 5557
HSDB 6341
EINECS 233-038-3
CI 77295
Z310X5O5RP
C.I. 77295
EC 233-038-3
Chromium Muriaticum
Chromium (as chromic chloride)
CHROMIUM CHROMIC CHLORIDE
CHROMIC CHLORIDE (CRCL3)
CHROMIUM TRICHLORIDE (CRCL3)
anhydrous chromium(iii) chloride
chebi:53351
chebi:53442
chromic chloride
chromic chloride (usp monograph)
chromic chloride in plastic container
chromium(3+) trichloride
kb1pcr9dmw
puratronic chromium chloride
10025-73-7
Chromium(III) chloride
MFCD00010948
CHROMIUM(III) CHLORIDE ANHYDROUS
Chromic(III) chloride
Chromium chlorideanhydrous
chromium(3+);trichloride
UNII-Z310X5O5RP
SCHEMBL3299268
DTXSID20858722
AKOS015911302
CS-0013543
NS00113714
Q411885
SR-01000944422
SR-01000944422-1
Chromium(III) chloride, purified by sublimation, 99%
Chromium(III) chloride, anhydrous, 99.99% trace metals basis