The f- and d- block elements - Oxidation Property of Dichromate

  • Introduction to the oxidation property of dichromate
  • Role of dichromate in redox reactions
  • Overview of the f-block and d-block elements

What is Dichromate?

  • Chemical formula: Cr2O7^2-
  • Orange-red solid compound
  • Contains chromium in the +6 oxidation state

Oxidation Property of Dichromate

  • Dichromate ions are strong oxidizing agents
  • Capable of transferring electrons to other substances
  • Chromium undergoes reduction to a lower oxidation state

Half-Reaction of Dichromate

  • The half-reaction for the reduction of dichromate:
    • Cr2O7^2- + 14H+ + 6e- → 2Cr^3+ + 7H2O

Examples of Dichromate Reactions

  1. Oxidation of alcohols to aldehydes/ketones
  1. Oxidation of primary alcohols to carboxylic acids
  1. Conversion of aldehydes to carboxylic acids
  1. Reduction of dichromate by organic compounds

Example 1: Oxidation of Alcohols

  • Alcohols can be oxidized to form aldehydes or ketones
  • Dichromate acts as an oxidizing agent in this reaction
  • Example: CH3CH2OH + [O] → CH3CHO

Example 2: Oxidation of Primary Alcohols

  • Primary alcohols can be further oxidized to carboxylic acids
  • Dichromate is reduced in this process
  • Example: CH3CH2CH2OH + [O] → CH3CH2COOH

Example 3: Conversion of Aldehydes

  • Aldehydes can be oxidized to carboxylic acids using dichromate
  • Dichromate is often used in laboratory experiments for this purpose
  • Example: CH3CHO + [O] → CH3COOH

Example 4: Reduction of Dichromate

  • Organic compounds can reduce dichromate to lower oxidation states
  • Example: C6H12O6 + [Cr2O7^2-] → 6CO2 + Cr^3+

Summary

  • Dichromate ions are powerful oxidizing agents
  • They can transfer electrons to other substances
  • Various organic compounds can be oxidized using dichromate
  • Examples include alcohols, aldehydes, and organic acids

The f- and d- block elements - Oxidation Property of Dichromate

  • Introduction to the oxidation property of dichromate
  • Role of dichromate in redox reactions
  • Overview of the f-block and d-block elements

What is Dichromate?

  • Chemical formula: Cr2O7^2-
  • Orange-red solid compound
  • Contains chromium in the +6 oxidation state

Oxidation Property of Dichromate

  • Dichromate ions are strong oxidizing agents
  • Capable of transferring electrons to other substances
  • Chromium undergoes reduction to a lower oxidation state

Half-Reaction of Dichromate

  • The half-reaction for the reduction of dichromate:
    • Cr2O7^2- + 14H+ + 6e- → 2Cr^3+ + 7H2O

Examples of Dichromate Reactions

  1. Oxidation of alcohols to aldehydes/ketones
  1. Oxidation of primary alcohols to carboxylic acids
  1. Conversion of aldehydes to carboxylic acids
  1. Reduction of dichromate by organic compounds

Example 1: Oxidation of Alcohols

  • Alcohols can be oxidized to form aldehydes or ketones
  • Dichromate acts as an oxidizing agent in this reaction
  • Example: CH3CH2OH + [O] → CH3CHO

Example 2: Oxidation of Primary Alcohols

  • Primary alcohols can be further oxidized to carboxylic acids
  • Dichromate is reduced in this process
  • Example: CH3CH2CH2OH + [O] → CH3CH2COOH

Example 3: Conversion of Aldehydes

  • Aldehydes can be oxidized to carboxylic acids using dichromate
  • Dichromate is often used in laboratory experiments for this purpose
  • Example: CH3CHO + [O] → CH3COOH

Example 4: Reduction of Dichromate

  • Organic compounds can reduce dichromate to lower oxidation states
  • Example: C6H12O6 + [Cr2O7^2-] → 6CO2 + Cr^3+

Summary

  • Dichromate ions are powerful oxidizing agents
  • They can transfer electrons to other substances
  • Various organic compounds can be oxidized using dichromate
  • Examples include alcohols, aldehydes, and organic acids

Advantages of Dichromate

  • Rapid and efficient oxidation reactions
  • High selectivity for specific functional groups
  • Widely used in laboratory experiments
  • Can be easily synthesized
  • Stable at room temperature

Disadvantages of Dichromate

  • Highly toxic and corrosive
  • Environmentally hazardous
  • Requires careful handling and disposal
  • Alternatives to dichromate preferred in many applications
  • Limited industrial use due to safety concerns

Environmental Impact

  • Dichromate is a known carcinogen
  • Can contaminate soil and water
  • Long-term exposure can lead to health issues
  • Regulations in place to control its use and disposal
  • Minimization and recycling methods being explored

Alternatives to Dichromate

  • Other oxidizing agents such as permanganate, peroxides, and hypochlorite
  • Transition metal catalysts like palladium, platinum, and gold
  • Organic and biological oxidants
  • Research ongoing to develop safer and greener alternatives
  • Balancing effectiveness and environmental impact is crucial

Industrial Uses of Dichromate

  • Production of pigments (chrome yellow, chrome green)
  • Surface treatment of metals (chrome plating)
  • Manufacturing of catalysts
  • Tanning industry for leather processing
  • Preservation of wood and materials

Lab Safety Precautions for Dichromate

  • Always wear gloves, goggles, and a lab coat
  • Avoid inhalation or ingestion
  • Work in a well-ventilated area or under a fume hood
  • Handle with appropriate tools and equipment
  • Properly label and store unused dichromate

Review Questions

  1. What is the oxidation state of chromium in dichromate?
  1. Name two common industrial uses of dichromate.
  1. How does dichromate act as an oxidizing agent?
  1. What are the advantages of using dichromate?
  1. Why is proper handling and disposal of dichromate important?

Answers to Review Questions

  1. The oxidation state of chromium in dichromate is +6.
  1. Two common industrial uses of dichromate are pigments and surface treatment.
  1. Dichromate acts as an oxidizing agent by transferring electrons to other substances.
  1. Advantages of dichromate include efficient oxidation reactions and high selectivity.
  1. Proper handling and disposal of dichromate are important to prevent environmental damage and health risks.

Summary

  • Dichromate is a strong oxidizing agent.
  • It can transfer electrons to various organic compounds.
  • Examples include oxidation of alcohols, aldehydes, and primary alcohols to carboxylic acids.
  • Dichromate has both advantages and disadvantages.
  • Safety precautions and alternatives to dichromate are necessary.