Chromium

Introduction

Chromium is a hard metal with the appearance of a silver-grey colour. The Chromium electronic configuration is generally provided as $\mathrm{Ar\:3d^{5}\:4s^{1}}$. The Chromium electronic configuration is mainly explained with the help of a half-filled d orbital which is mainly responsible to offer stability. Cr oxidation state is trivalent that is very essential for human beings. The nutrient can be found in variable traces of human insulin, lipid metabolism, fatty acids as well as blood sugar.

What is Chromium?

Chromium refers to a lustrous which has a higher melting point. Ferrochromium alloy is generally produced commercially with the help of Silicothermic as well as Aluminothermic reactions that mainly comes from Chromite as well as Chromium metal.

Chromium ore

This reaction is mainly taken place through the processes of roasting as well as leaching. Then it is followed by carbon and after that by the Aluminium reduction.

Chromium: chemical properties

The electron configuration of Chromium is $\mathrm{[Ar]3d^{5}\:4S^{1}}$ and the ChemSpider ID is 22407, which refers to a free chemical structure database. Relative atomic mass of this metal is 51.996 g/mol” and the key isotopesof Chromium is 52Cr. The CAS numberof this metal is 7440-47-3. The metal burns if it is heated and the metallic compoundforms a green Chromic Oxide.

Chromium: physical properties

The atomic number of this metal is 24, and it is belonged togroup 6. The period of this metal is period 4,and is included in the d-block. The element category of Chromium istransition metal. The melting point of this metal is around 2180K or 1907°C, and the boiling point is about 2944K or 2671°C.

The density of Chromium is 7.19 g/cm3 at 20°C and the fusion heat rate is 21.0 kJ/mol. The heat of vaporization of this metal is 347 kJ/mol.

Chromium: applications

• In the stainless steel industry, this metal is applied and it is very helpful in manufacturing as well as producing different types of alloys. Chromium plating provides a mirror finish to stainless steel. For example, the number plates of cars are made of this metal.

• The principal ore of chromium is Chromite which is also used in the stainless steel parts.

• By the application of this metal we can bright several stones . For example, with the use of Chromium, rubies become more vivid red and the green colour of emerald is produced with the help of Chromium.

• Numerous automobile decorations contains this metal or its alloys.

• Electroplating refers to the most significant application of this metal. For example, the shiny caps of the cars are made of this metal.

• Stainless steel as well as Aluminium alloys is some important alloys that are commonly used in different industries.

• Chromium can be seen in paint and dyes. Some “chemical makeup” of chromium is used for the fabrics.

Chromium: reactions

• Chromium can reacts with Fluorine at theatmospheric pressure of 200-300 atm and at the temperature of 400°C. The reaction makes Chromium Fluoride, which is denoted by CrF6. The reaction is presented as −

$$\mathrm{Cr(s)\:+\:3F_{2}(g)\:\rightarrow\:CrF_{6}}$$

• Chromium can also react to different types of acid. Cr element of the metal mainly dissolves within a dilute solution of Hydrochloric acid and forms Cr ion as well as H gas. It also reacts with Sulphuric acid but it does not generally react with Nitric acid. The reaction with the Hydrochloric acid is presented as −

$$\mathrm{Cr(s)\:+\:2HCl(aq)\:\rightarrow\:Cr^{2+}(aq)\:+\:2Cl^{-}(aq)\:+\:H_{2}(g)}$$

The reaction with the Sulphuric acid is presented as −

$$\mathrm{Cr\:+\:H_{2}SO_{4}\:\rightarrow\:CrSO_{4}\:+\:H_{2}}$$

Essential symptoms of Chromium toxicity

Accuse exposure to this metal in any form can be a great cause of multiple diseases. All the diseases are triggered with the necessary symptoms of nausea, vomiting as well as vertigo. Besides this, fever as well as muscle cramps are also seen in this type of disease. The symptom intensity of this type of disease can be a great cause of different chronic symptoms like renal failure, liver damage as well as respiratory tract discomfort. The most common disease that is caused by this metal is lung cancer and even kidneys, as well as the liver, are greatly affected by the reaction of this metal.

Conclusion

It protects metallic body by producing a thin oxide layer immediately which is impermeable to oxygen. The most significant characteristic of this metal is that it will not get rusted and that is why these particles are very helpful for electroplating. Because of this elevated corrosion resistance as well as hardness, this particular metal comprises of high metallic value”.

FAQs

1. What family does Chromium include?

In the periodic table, chromium belongs to group 6, the period is 4 and the block is d. In its pure form, the appearance of this metal is silver, lustrous as well as hardy and suitable for application in electroplating.

2. Which common compounds are included in chromium?

In chromium, some common compounds are included like Sodium Chromate, Potassium Chromate as well as Potassium Dichromate. Besides this, Ammonium Dichromate as well as Chromium Trioxide are also included in the compounds of Chromium.

3. What are the health hazards that take place due to Chromium?

Because of Chromium, different types of health hazards can take place in the human body as it can be poisonous. Ulcerations, dermatitis, as well as allergic skin reactions can be seen because of this metal.

4. What precautions can be taken before using Chromium?

It is one of the hardest materials and stronger compared to Iron and Tungsten as well as Titanium. It is generally broken into small pieces as well as crumbles easily if it is not handled appropriately. The most common characteristic of the Cr element is very brittle.