What is Ammonium Dichromate?
Ammonium dichromate is an inorganic compound with the formula (NH4)2Cr2O7 that can catch fire.
Orange-red needles of ammonium dichromate are generated during crystallization. To sensitize organic emulsions such as gelatin to the hardening impact of actinic light, a hazardous chemical salt is utilized. It is more light-sensitive.
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IUPAC name – diammonium oxido- (oxido-dioxo-chromio)oxy-dioxo-chromium
Ammonium Dichromate Structure – (NH4)2Cr2O7
General Properties of Ammonium Dichromate – (NH4)2Cr2O7
| H8Cr2N2O7 | Ammonium Dichromate |
| Density | 2.12 g/cm³ |
| Molecular Weight/ Molar Mass | 252.07 g/mol |
| Autoignition temperature | 190 °C |
| Melting point | 180 °C |
| Chemical Formula | (NH4)2Cr2O7 |
Physical Properties of Ammonium Dichromate – (NH4)2Cr2O7
| Odour | Odourless |
| Appearance | Orange-red crystals |
| Stability | Stable under recommended storage conditions |
| Specific Gravity | 2.1500 |
| Solubility | Insoluble in acetone; soluble in alcohol |
Chemical Properties of Ammonium Dichromate – (NH4)2Cr2O7
Ammonium dichromate undergoes breakdown upon heating, producing chromium(III) oxide and nitrogen gas.
(NH4)2Cr2O7(s) → Cr2O3(s) + N2(g) + 4H2O(g)
Uses of Ammonium Dichromate – (NH4)2Cr2O7
- Ammonium dichromate is used in lithography-sensitizing solutions.
- Used in for pyrotechnics, lithography, and photogravure. Additionally, it is employed as a magnetic recording medium.
- It is used as an authorized pesticide, a mordant for dying, and a pigment.
Frequently Asked Questions – FAQs
Q.1 What are the uses of ammonium dichromate?
Ammonium dichromate has been utilized in the laboratory as a source of pure nitrogen and as a catalyst in pyrotechnics. In the early days of photography and lithography, this compound played an important role as well. As a mordant for pigment dyeing, it is also employed in the production of alizarin, chromium alum, leather tanning, and oil purification.
Q.2 When ammonium dichromate is heated, what happens?
Ammonium dichromate, when heated, decomposes into nitrogen dioxide, water vapor (Water is a gas in this reaction due to the comparatively high reaction temperature), and solid chromium (III) oxide.
Q.3 Is ammonium dichromate ionic or covalent?
The molecule of ammonium dichromate is an ionic compound because it contains an ionic link between the ammonium cation and the dichromate anion. However, covalent bonds hold the individual polyatomic cation and anion together.
Q.4 Is ammonia bicarbonate baking soda?
Ammonium bicarbonate, or NH4HCO3, is a common leavening ingredient that generates carbon dioxide without the use of an acid. It lacks the alkaline flavor of baking powder and baking soda.
Q.5 Why does baking soda smell like ammonia?
Small amounts of sodium ammonium carbonate will occur when baking soda reacts as an acid. Ammonia is created when baking soda is mixed with an ammonium salt and water.
