Chromium trioxide

Synonyms

Chromium anhydride; Anhydride chromique [French]; Anidride cromica [Italian]; Chrome (trioxyde de) [French]; Chromia (CrO3); Chromic acid, solid; Chromic anhydride; Chromic oxide; Chromic(VI) acid; Chromium oxide; Chromium oxide (Cr4O12); Chromium oxide (CrO3); Chromium trioxide; Chromium(6+) oxide; Chromium(6+) trioxide; Chromium(VI) oxide; Chromsaeureanhydrid [German]; Chromtrioxid [German]; Chroomtrioxyde [Dutch]; Chroomzuuranhydride [Dutch]; Cromo(triossido di) [Italian]; Monochromium trioxide; Puratronic chromium trioxide; Sintered chromium trioxide; [ChemIDplus] UN1463

Category

Chromium Compounds, Inorganic

Description

Dark red to brown crystals, flakes, or powder; [HSDB] Soluble in water; [ACGIH]

Sources/Uses

Used in chromium plating, copper stripping, and aluminum anodizing; also used to inhibit corrosion, to develop photographs, to purify oil and acetylene, to harden microscopic preparations, and to oxidize organic chemicals; [HSDB] Used in sulfuric acid as a photoresist stripper; [CSH, p. 49] Also used as a wood preservative; [ACGIH]

Comments

CrVI compounds are irritants, sensitizers, and may be corrosive to the skin. CrVI compounds are respiratory tract irritants and may cause pulmonary sensitization. CrVI may cause acute tubular necrosis and liver injury. [ATSDR Case Studies] Highly corrosive to skin; [Quick CPC] Chromium trioxide (chromic acid) is a water-soluble hexavalent chromium compounds. A corrosive substance that can cause injury to the skin, eyes, and respiratory tract; May cause skin sensitization, kidney injury, and asthma after prolonged contact; [ICSC] See "Chromium" and linked occupational diseases.

Biomedical References

Yes

Yes

0.0002 mg/m3, as Cr(VI), inhalable particulate matter

0.0005 mg/m3, as Cr(VI), inhalable particulate matter

0.005 mg/m3, as Cr(VI)

LC50 (rat) = 167 mg/m3/4 H; [CHEMINFO]

Explanatory Notes

Melting point = 197 degrees C; [HSDB] The Guide from the Emergency Response Guidebook is for "Chromium trioxide, anhydrous."

will not burn

Yes

Yes

Hepatoxic (a) from occupational exposure (secondary effect) or (b) in animal studies or in humans after ingestion

Yes

Skin burns

Established

Human carcinogen

Confirmed Human

Diseases

Occupational diseases associated with exposure to this agent:

• Asthma, occupational
• Chromium, chronic toxic effect
• Contact dermatitis, allergic

Processes

Industrial Processes with risk of exposure:

• Aluminum Producing
• Applying Wood Preservatives
• Electroplating
• Petroleum Production and Refining
• Photographic Processing
• Semiconductor Manufacturing

Activities

Activities with risk of exposure:

• Applying metallic patinas