What is sodium chromate?
Sodium chromate is an inorganic compound with the formula Na2CrO4. This substance exists as a yellow hygroscopic solid that can form tetra, hexa, and decahydrate. It is an intermediate in the extraction of chromium from its ore.
Apart from its primary role in the production of chromium from its ore, sodium chromate is used as a corrosion inhibitor in the petroleum industry. It is also a dyeing aid in the textile industry. It is a diagnostic drug in determining the volume of red blood cells.
In organic chemistry, sodium chromate is used as an oxidizing agent, converting primary alcohols to carboxylic acids and secondary alcohols to ketones. Sodium chromate is a strong oxidizer.
Dangers of sodium chromate
Like other chromium (VI) compounds, sodium chromate is also carcinogenic. The compound is also corrosive and exposure may cause severe eye damage or blindness.
Most human exposures include impaired fertility, inherited genetic damage, and harm to unborn children.
