Potassium peroxochromate

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Potassium peroxochromate
Potassium peroxochromate K3CrO8 by woelen.jpg
Sample of K3CrO8.
Names
IUPAC name
Potassium tetraperoxochromate(V)
Other names
Potassium tetraperoxochromate
Properties
K3CrO8
K3[Cr(O2)4]
Molar mass 297.286 g/mol
Appearance Dark brown crystalline solid
Melting point Decomposes
Boiling point Decomposes
Poorly soluble
Solubility Insoluble in ethanol, diethyl ether
Hazards
Safety data sheet None
Related compounds
Related compounds
Potassium chromate
Except where otherwise noted, data are given for materials in their standard state (at 25 °C [77 °F], 100 kPa).
Infobox references

Potassium peroxochromate, or potassium tetraperoxochromate(V), is an inorganic compound chemical having the chemical formula K3[Cr(O2)4] or K3CrO8.

Properties

Chemical

Potassium peroxochromate is a rare example of a Cr in the +5 oxidation state.

The addition of an acid will give chromium(VI) oxide peroxide

Physical

Potassium peroxochromate is a dark brown solid, sparingly soluble in water, somewhat similar in appearance to potassium ferrate.

Explosive

Potassium tetraperoxochromate will burn when ignited and may explode. It is sensitive to shock and friction.

Mixtures with aluminium, sulfur or red phosphorus are very sensitive to shock and detonate when struck. Quantities as small as 10 mg can explode with a loud crack.

Availability

Potassium tetraperoxochromate does not appear to be sold by any chemical entity.

Preparation

Two beakers, one containing 15-30% aqueous hydrogen peroxide and potassium chromate solution are kept in a freezer and chilled at low temperatures. The hydrogen peroxide is added slowly to the K2CrO4. This causes the solution to change color from yellow in red-brown, and finally dark brown. Leave the solution in the freezer until all the bubbling has stopped. Cool the solution below 0 ºC and wait for the crystals to precipitate. Carefully decant the liquid above the crystals, then rinse the crystals two times with cold distilled water, 7 ml each. After the water rinse, the wet crystals are rinsed with 2x7 ml ethanol. Another rinsing with diethyl ether is optional. The rinsed crystals are added on a filter paper which will absorb the leftover ethanol. The crystals are then transferred on a watchglass or Petri dish and left to dry in open air.[1]

Projects

Handling

Safety

Potassium peroxochromate is a strong irritant and is corrosive. It will bleach skin on contact and cause a stinging sensation, similar to hydrogen peroxide. It is also sensitive to strong shock and may explode.

Storage

Can be stored in closed glass containers and kept in dry and clean places for many years, as noted by several SM members.

Disposal

A reducing agent, such as sulfite can be used.

Acidifying an aqueous solution of K3CrO8 will cause it to convert to CrO5 which rapidly decomposes in water to release oxygen.

References

  1. http://woelen.homescience.net/science/chem/exps/K3CrO8_synth/index.html

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