Characteristic
Sodium chromate is the inorganic compound with the formula Na2CrO4. It exists as a yellow hygroscopic solid, which can form tetra-, hexa-, and decahydrates. It is an intermediate in the extraction of chromium from its ores.
Chemical formula:Na2CrO4
Molar mass: 161.97 g/mol
Appearance: yellow crystals
Odor: odorless
Density: 2.698 g/cm3
Melting point: 792 °C (1,458 °F; 1,065 K) (anhydrous) 20 °C (decahydrate)
Solubility in water:31.8 g/100 mL (0 °C) 84.5 g/100 mL (25 °C) 126.7 g/100 mL (100 °C)
Solubility: slightly soluble in ethanol
Solubility in methanol: 0.344 g/100 mL (25 °C)
Magnetic susceptibility (χ):+55.0·10−6 cm3/mol
Crystal structure:orthorhombic
Application
Aside from its central role in the production of chromium from its ores, sodium chromate is used as a corrosion inhibitor in the petroleum industry. It is also a dyeing auxiliary in the textile industry. It is a diagnostic pharmaceutical in determining red blood cell volume.
In organic chemistry, sodium chromate is used as an oxidant, converting primary alcohols to carboxylic acids and secondary alcohols to ketones.