Chromium(III) Chloride: Properties, Uses & Lab FAQs
Chromium(III) Chloride: Properties, Uses & Lab FAQs
Chromium(III) chloride is an inorganic transition-metal salt widely used in research as a Lewis acid catalyst, a chromium(III) source for biological and materials studies, and a precursor in coordination chemistry.
- Molecular Formula
- CrCl₃
- Molecular Weight
- 158.35 g/mol (anhydrous)
- Appearance
- Violet to dark violet crystalline powder (anhydrous form)
- CAS Number
- 10025-73-3
- Solubility
- Sparingly soluble in cold water; more soluble upon heating or in the hexahydrate form
- Storage Condition
- Store in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area away from moisture and incompatible materials
- Aladdin SKU
- C485446
What Is Chromium(III) Chloride?
Chromium(III) chloride (CrCl₃, CAS 10025-73-3) is an inorganic salt of trivalent chromium. It exists as a violet, anhydrous crystalline solid and is also commercially available as the hexahydrate (CrCl₃·6H₂O), which typically appears blue-green. The anhydrous form has a layered crystal structure and is known for its kinetic inertness toward ligand substitution, a characteristic property of d³ octahedral complexes. Aladdin Scientific supplies Chromium(III) chloride under SKU C485446 for research and analytical applications.
Key Physical and Chemical Properties
The anhydrous form of Chromium(III) chloride has a molecular weight of approximately 158.35 g/mol and a melting point reported near 1152 °C. It is sparingly soluble in cold water in the anhydrous form due to the kinetic inertness of the Cr³⁺ center, but solubility increases significantly upon heating or when the hexahydrate is used. CrCl₃ acts as a Lewis acid and forms a variety of coordination complexes with nitrogen-, oxygen-, and sulfur-donor ligands. It is stable under normal conditions but should be protected from moisture to prevent uncontrolled hydration.
Note: Specific numerical values for density, refractive index, and precise solubility should be confirmed against the current Aladdin Certificate of Analysis or the product specification sheet.
Laboratory Applications of CrCl₃
Chromium(III) chloride is used across multiple research disciplines:
- Coordination and Inorganic Chemistry: CrCl₃ serves as a starting material for the synthesis of Cr(III) coordination complexes and organochromium compounds.
- Catalysis: It functions as a Lewis acid catalyst in certain organic transformations, including Friedel-Crafts-type reactions and olefin polymerization when activated appropriately.
- Biological Research: Cr³⁺ is an essential trace element; CrCl₃ is used in nutritional and metabolic studies examining chromium's role in glucose metabolism and insulin sensitivity.
- Materials Science: Used as a precursor for chromium oxide thin films and surface treatments.
- Textile and Dye Industry Research: CrCl₃ is historically used as a mordant; laboratory studies may investigate its binding interactions with textile fibers and dyes.
Safe Handling, Storage, and Disposal
Chromium(III) chloride should be handled with appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), including gloves, lab coat, and eye protection, as it can cause irritation to skin, eyes, and the respiratory tract upon exposure to dust. Although Cr(III) is considered significantly less toxic than Cr(VI), prolonged or repeated exposure should be avoided.
Storage: Store in a tightly sealed container in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area. Keep away from moisture, strong oxidizers, and strong bases. Avoid conditions that could oxidize Cr(III) to the more hazardous Cr(VI) state.
Disposal: Dispose of chromium-containing waste in accordance with local, regional, and national regulations for heavy metal waste. Do not pour down the drain without appropriate treatment.
Always consult the current Safety Data Sheet (SDS) for Aladdin product C485446 before use.
Quality, Purity, and Ordering Information
Aladdin Scientific offers Chromium(III) chloride (SKU: C485446) for research use. Researchers should refer to the current product page and Certificate of Analysis (CoA) for exact purity grade, lot-specific data, and available pack sizes. The product description references Sigma catalog number 450790 as a cross-reference; buyers should confirm specifications directly with Aladdin to ensure suitability for their specific application.
For bulk quantities, custom purity grades, or specific packaging requirements, contact Aladdin Scientific's sales or technical support team. Volume pricing and institutional purchasing agreements may be available.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between anhydrous Chromium(III) chloride and the hexahydrate form?
Anhydrous CrCl₃ is a violet crystalline solid that is sparingly soluble in cold water due to the kinetic inertness of the Cr³⁺ center. The hexahydrate (CrCl₃·6H₂O) is typically blue-green and dissolves more readily in water. For reactions requiring a defined water-free chromium(III) source, the anhydrous form is preferred, while the hexahydrate is more convenient for aqueous applications.
Is Chromium(III) chloride hazardous, and what precautions should I take in the lab?
Cr(III) compounds are considered significantly less toxic than Cr(VI) compounds; however, CrCl₃ dust can irritate the skin, eyes, and respiratory tract. Always wear appropriate PPE including gloves, lab coat, and safety goggles. Work in a well-ventilated area or fume hood when handling the powder. Consult the current SDS for Aladdin product C485446 for full hazard and first-aid information before use.
Why is anhydrous CrCl₃ so difficult to dissolve in cold water?
The kinetic inertness of the octahedral Cr³⁺ d³ complex means that water molecules cannot easily displace the chloride ligands at room temperature, resulting in very slow dissolution. Heating the solution accelerates ligand exchange and improves solubility. Using the hexahydrate form, in which water molecules are already coordinated, is a practical alternative for preparing aqueous Cr(III) solutions.
What are the main research applications of Chromium(III) chloride?
CrCl₃ is widely used as a starting material in coordination chemistry for the synthesis of Cr(III) complexes, as a Lewis acid catalyst in organic synthesis, as a chromium source in nutritional and biological studies of glucose metabolism, and as a precursor for chromium-based materials and coatings. Its versatility makes it a valuable reagent across inorganic, organic, and biological chemistry research.
How should I store Chromium(III) chloride to maintain its quality?
Store CrCl₃ in a tightly sealed container in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated location away from moisture, strong oxidizers, and strong bases. Exposure to moisture can lead to uncontrolled hydration and alter the reagent's properties. Always reseal the container promptly after use and refer to the Aladdin product C485446 label and SDS for specific storage recommendations.
References
- Greenwood, N. N.; Earnshaw, A. Chemistry of the Elements, 2nd ed.; Butterworth-Heinemann: Oxford, 1997; pp 1002–1038.
- Cotton, F. A.; Wilkinson, G.; Murillo, C. A.; Bochmann, M. Advanced Inorganic Chemistry, 6th ed.; Wiley-Interscience: New York, 1999.
- Aladdin Scientific. Chromium(III) chloride, SKU C485446, Product Specification and Safety Data Sheet. Aladdin Scientific Corp.
Products are supplied for research and development use only. Not for use in humans, animals, diagnosis, or therapy.
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