Chromic Acid: A Guide to Properties, Industrial Applications, and Safe Sourcing
Chromic acid, known in the scientific community by its systematic name chromium(VI) oxide or by its formula H₂CrO₄, is a powerful oxidizing agent that serves as a cornerstone of modern industrial chemistry. Whether you are involved in metal finishing, high-end organic synthesis, or specialized laboratory research, understanding the complexities of chromic acid is essential for operational success and safety.
At ChemicalsSuppliers.com, we specialize in bridging the gap between high-purity chemical manufacturing and industrial end-users. This guide serves as the definitive resource on chromic acid, its derivatives, and how to source industrial chemicals globally.
Chromic acid is a strong, highly acidic, and intensely oxidizing substance. In its anhydrous form, it appears as a dark red, crystalline solid known as chromium trioxide (CrO₃). When dissolved in water, the equilibrium shifts to form H₂CrO₄.
To ensure you are searching for the correct material in international supply chains, familiarize yourself with these names:
The utility of chromic acid is vast, spanning from decorative aesthetics to structural integrity.
The primary use of chromic acid is in the chrome plating industry. It provides the electrolyte bath required to deposit a layer of chromium onto a metal surface. This process (Hard Chrome Plating) is used for:
In laboratory settings, chromic acid is famously used in the Jones Oxidation, a process used to convert primary alcohols into carboxylic acids and secondary alcohols into ketones. Its aggressive oxidizing nature makes it a “go-to” reagent for precision chemical transformations.
Chromic acid is used extensively in the aerospace and automotive industry for anodizing aluminum. By creating an oxide layer, the metal becomes significantly more durable and receptive to dyes or protective coatings.
Warning: Chromium(VI) compounds are highly toxic and carcinogenic.
When working with chromic acid, strict adherence to OSHA and REACH standards is mandatory.
For more information on legal handling, visit the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) page on Chromium.
Finding a reliable supplier for industrial chemicals is often the biggest hurdle for project managers. At ChemicalsSuppliers.com, we offer a centralized procurement platform that ensures:
Below is a curated list of chemical compounds often sourced alongside Chromic Acid. All of these are available through our portal at ChemicalsSuppliers.com.
| No | Chemical Name (Synonym) | Primary Use | Est. Price (USD/kg) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Potassium Dichromate | Oxidizing Agent | $15 – $25 |
| 2 | Sodium Dichromate | Metal Finishing | $8 – $12 |
| 3 | Chromic Sulfate | Leather Tanning | $10 – $18 |
| 4 | Chromic Chloride | Catalyst | $22 – $35 |
| 5 | Nitric Acid (Reagent) | Acidic Bath | $5 – $10 |
| 6 | Sulfuric Acid (98%) | Catalyst/Bath | $2 – $6 |
| 7 | Hydrogen Peroxide (50%) | Oxidizer | $4 – $9 |
| 8 | Nickel Sulfate | Electroplating | $12 – $20 |
| 9 | Copper Sulfate | Electroplating | $4 – $8 |
| 10 | Cobalt Chloride | Pigment | $40 – $60 |
| 11 | Zinc Chloride | Fluxing | $6 – $12 |
| 12 | Ammonium Molybdate | Catalyst | $30 – $50 |
| 13 | Silver Nitrate | Analytical Chem | $200 – $350 |
| 14 | Boric Acid | Buffering | $3 – $7 |
| 15 | Oxalic Acid | Cleaning | $5 – $10 |
| 16 | Ferric Chloride | Etching | $4 – $9 |
| 17 | Potassium Hydroxide | pH Adjustment | $3 – $8 |
| 18 | Sodium Hydroxide | pH Adjustment | $2 – $5 |
| 19 | Phosphoric Acid | Acidic Bath | $4 – $10 |
| 20 | Hydrochloric Acid | Etching | $2 – $5 |
| 21 | Acetic Acid (Glacial) | Solvent | $5 – $12 |
| 22 | Formic Acid | Reducing Agent | $8 – $15 |
| 23 | Citric Acid | Chelating Agent | $3 – $6 |
| 24 | EDTA Disodium | Metal Sequestry | $7 – $14 |
| 25 | Potassium Permanganate | Oxidizer | $10 – $18 |
| 26 | Sodium Bisulfite | Reducer | $3 – $6 |
| 27 | Sodium Metabisulfite | Wastewater | $3 – $6 |
| 28 | Calcium Carbonate | Neutralizing | $1 – $3 |
| 29 | Magnesium Oxide | Refractory | $5 – $10 |
| 30 | Aluminum Sulfate | Flocculant | $2 – $5 |
| 31 | Tin Sulfate | Electroplating | $30 – $45 |
| 32 | Lead Nitrate | Laboratory | $25 – $40 |
| 33 | Manganese Dioxide | Catalyst | $8 – $15 |
| 34 | Barium Chloride | Analytical | $10 – $20 |
| 35 | Cadmium Oxide | Specialized Paint | $50 – $80 |
| 36 | Selenium Dioxide | Synthesis | $100 – $150 |
| 37 | Vanadium Pentoxide | Catalyst | $60 – $90 |
| 38 | Tungsten Trioxide | Pigment | $70 – $110 |
| 39 | Zirconium Dioxide | Ceramics | $20 – $40 |
| 40 | Titanium Dioxide | Pigment | $3 – $6 |
| 41 | Iron(III) Oxide | Pigment | $2 – $5 |
| 42 | Zinc Oxide | Rubber/Ceramic | $4 – $8 |
| 43 | Nickel(II) Chloride | Electroplating | $15 – $25 |
| 44 | Potassium Cyanide | Electroplating | $50 – $100 |
| 45 | Sodium Cyanide | Electroplating | $40 – $70 |
| 46 | Ammonium Persulfate | Etching | $7 – $12 |
| 47 | Sodium Nitrate | Oxidizer | $3 – $6 |
| 48 | Potassium Chlorate | Oxidizer | $12 – $20 |
| 49 | Sodium Chlorite | Bleaching | $5 – $10 |
| 50 | Urea | Industrial | $1 – $3 |
Note: Prices are estimates based on bulk international market trends as of Q3 2024. Please visit ChemicalsSuppliers.com for real-time quotes based on your volume and shipping destination.
The chemical supply chain is currently shifting toward “Green Chemistry.” Many industries are looking for alternatives to hexavalent chromium (Cr6+), such as Trivalent Chromium (Cr3+) plating. While Cr3+ is less toxic and environmentally friendly, Cr6+ (Chromic Acid) remains the industry standard for performance-critical applications where maximum hardness and corrosion resistance are non-negotiable.
To facilitate international business, here is how to search for or request Chromic Acid in various languages:
At ChemicalsSuppliers.com, we provide:
Chromic acid remains an indispensable tool for the modern industrial world. Whether it is keeping our tools sharp through hard chrome plating or facilitating breakthroughs in chemical research, the demand for high-purity Cr(VI) compounds is steady. However, the importance of sourcing from reputable suppliers who prioritize safety, environmental regulations, and purity cannot be overstated.
By choosing ChemicalsSuppliers.com, you are choosing a partner dedicated to global supply chain excellence.
Disclaimer: The chemical compounds listed herein are intended for industrial and professional use only. Always consult your local safety regulations and MSDS before handling hazardous chemicals. The prices provided are estimates and subject to market volatility. Please contact our sales team at ChemicalsSuppliers.com for official quotes.
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