Chromyl Chloride and its Properties

Chromyl chloride is an inorganic chemical compound. This chemical compound has a reddish-brown colour and can be highly volatile when placed at room temperature. It exists in a liquid form when present at room temperature. This property of Chromyl Chloride is somewhat unusual for a transition metal because most of them remain inactive at room temperature. Chromyl chloride reacts with water to release hydrochloric acid along with chromic acid. Although these acids are not particularly highly combustible, they can help other chemical substances go through combustion. In the event of accidental combustion caused by Chromyl Chloride, there should be no contact with water because instead of slowing down the fire, it will increase it.

Preparation of Chromyl Chloride

One of the most basic methods for preparing Chromyl Chloride includes the reaction of chemical compounds such as potassium chromate or potassium dichromate with an acid such as hydrochloric acid. This reaction usually takes place in the presence of sulphuric acid. The resultant formed by the chemical reaction goes through distillation so that it can be purified. The presence of sulphuric acid during this process is necessary because it acts as a dehydrating agent. Another method that can be used to prepare Chromyl Chloride is by exposing chromium trioxide to hydrogen chloride present in the gaseous form. This method of formation of Chromyl Chloride can also be used to detect chloride in any chemical substance. If the chemical compound contains chloride as one of its constituents, it’ll release red fumes, which is a positive sign of the presence of chloride. 

Physical and chemical properties of Chromyl Chloride

Chromyl chloride is a chemical substance that can be found in liquid form. It is dark red in colour and possesses a pungent smell. It produces red fumes. This compound’s chemical structure is tetrahedral and is also known to be a neutral molecule in general. 

Another property of Chromyl Chloride includes the interactions taking place in the chemical that is occurring with the help of Van der Waal bonding. Since Van der Waal bonding is very weak in nature, this gives the chemical compound very low boiling and melting points. This property of Chromyl Chloride makes it a highly distillable liquid. Chromyl Chloride is also anionic in nature and possesses a very low electron affinity.

A major property of Chromyl Chloride is that it is highly oxidising in nature. This property is shown by the fact that Chromyl Chloride rapidly hydrolyses and produces various acids. Chromyl Chloride test is also used to check the presence of chloride in any chemical compound. This chemical compound is also used for the oxidation of various alkenes and aldehydes. It is also a critical component of the Etard reaction. Chromyl chloride is a fire hazard, and it can attack multiple metals as well in the presence of water. However, it is incompatible with plastics and does not react with them. 

Hazardous nature of Chromyl Chloride

Since Chromyl chloride is highly hazardous, and upon combustion, it leads to the formation of poisonous fumes. It is not combustible by itself, but it can enhance the combustion of other substances. 

If inhaled or ingested by humans, it can cause shortness of breath, severe deep burns and severe abdominal pain. If it remains in contact with the skin for a long time, it can also lead to dermatitis and prove to be cancer-causing. Ingestion of this chemical can cause severe damage to the stomach wall lining.

Conclusion

Hence, one can conclude that Chromyl Chloride is a chemical compound that is highly volatile when it is present in its liquid form at room temperature. It is not explosive itself, but it helps in enhancing the combustion of other chemicals. It is dark red and produces poisonous fumes. The chemical is highly oxidative in nature and has a high electron affinity. 

To humans, it is hazardous and can cause acute and chronic effects. It can also cause chromosomal aberrations and can even cause cancer.A