INORGANIC CHEMISTRY

Compounds of Zinc

Zinc, Oxide, ZnO: Zinc oxide is also called zinc white or Chinese white or philosopher’s wool.
It occurs in nature as the mineral zincite or red zinc ore.
Preparation: It is obtained by the combustion of zinc or by the calcination of zinc carbonate,
zinc nitrate or zinc hydroxide.
2Zn + O2  2ZnO
ZnCO3  ZnO + CO2
2Zn(NO3)2  2ZnO + 4NO2 + O2
Zn(OH)2  ZnO + H2O
Very pure zinc oxide is prepared by mixing a solution of zinc sulphate with sodium carbonate.
The basic zinc carbonate thus, precipitated on heating gives pure zinc oxide.
4ZnSO4 + 4Na2CO3 + 3H2O  ZnCO3.3Zn(OH)2 ppt. + 4Na2SO4 + 3CO2
ZnCO3.3Zn(OH)2 Heat  4ZnO + 3H2O + CO2
Properties:
(i) It is a white powder. It becomes yellow on heating and again turns white on cooling.
(ii) It is very light. It is insoluble in water. It sublimes at 400oC.
(iii) It is an amphoteric oxide and dissolves readily in acids forming corresponding zinc
salts and alkalies forming zincates.
ZnO + H2SO4  ZnSO4 + H2O
ZnO + 2HCl  ZnCl2 + H2O
ZnO + 2NaOH  Na 2 ZnO 2 + H2O
Sodium zincate

(iv) When heated in hydrogen above 400oC, it is reduced to metal.

ZnO + H2  Zn + H2O
It is also reduced by carbon into zinc.
ZnO + C  Zn +CO
(v) When zinc oxide is heated with cobalt nitrate, a green mass is formed due to formation
of cobalt zincate which is known as Riemann’s green.
2Co(NO3)2  2CoO + 2NO2 + O2
ZnO + CoO  CoZnO2 or CoO.ZnO
Uses:
(i) Zinc oxide is used as a white pigment (paint). No doubt its covering power is less than
but it is superior because it is not blackened in atmosphere of hydrogen sulphide. It can be
used both as oil and water paint.
(ii) It is used to prepare Rinmann’s green which is empolyed as a green pigment.
(iii) It finds use as a catalyst along with Cr2O3 in the manufacture of methyl alcohol from
water gas.

Zinc chloride, ZnCl2.2H2O

Preparation: It is obtained by treating zinc oxide or zinc carbonate or zinc hydroxide with dilute
hydrochloric acid. The solution on concentration and cooling gives hydrated zinc choloride
crystals, ZnCl2.2H2O.
ZnO + 2HCl  ZnCl2 + H2O
ZnCO3 + 2HCl  ZnCl2 + CO2 + H2O
Zn(OH)2 + 2HCl  ZnCl2 + 2H2O
 Anhydrous zinc chloride cannot be obtained by heating crystals of hydrated zinc chloride as
hydrolysis occurs and basic chloride (zinc hydroxy chloride) is formed which on further
heating gives zinc oxide.
ZnCl2.2H2O  Zn(OH)Cl + HCl +H2O
Zn(OH)Cl  ZnO + HCl
The anhydrous zinc chloride is obtained by heating zinc in the atmosphere of dry chlorine or
dry HCl gas.
Zn + Cl2  ZnCl2
Zn + 2HCl  ZnCl2 + H2
This can also be formed by distilling zinc powder with mercuric chloride.
Zn + HgCl2  ZnCl2 + Hg
Properties:
(a) Anhydrous zinc chloride is a white solid, deliquescent and soluble in water. It melts at
660oC and boils at 730oC.
(b) Hydrated zinc chloride on heating forms zinc hydroxy chloride or zinc oxychloride.
ZnCl2.2H2O  Zn(OH)Cl + HCl + H2O
2ZnCl2.2H2O  Zn2OCl2 + 2HCl + 3H2O
(c) When H2S is passed through the solution, a white precipitate of zinc sulphide, is formed.
ZnCL2 + H2S  ZnS + 2HCl
(d) When NaOH is added, a white precipitate of zinc hydroxide appears which dissolves in
excess of sodium hydroxide forming sodium zincate.
ZnCl2 + 2NaOH  Zn(OH)2 + 2NaCl
Zn(OH)2 + 2NAOH  Na2ZnO2 + 2H2O
(e) On adding NH4OH solution, a white precipitate of zinc hydroxide appears which dissolves
in excess of ammonia forming a complex salt.
ZnCl2 + 2NH4OH  Zn(OH)2 + 2NH4Cl
Zn(OH)2 + 2NH4OH + 2NH4Cl  Zn(NH3 ) 4 Cl 2  + 4H2O
Tetrammine zinc chloride

(f) When the solution of zinc chloride is treated with a solution of sodium carbonate, a
white precipitate of basic zinc carbonate is formed.

4ZnCl2 + 4Na2CO3 + 3H2O  ZnCO 3 .3Zn(OH) 2

Basic zinc carbonate + 8NaCl + 3CO2

But when a solution of sodium bicarbonate is used, a white precipitate of normal zinc carbonate
is formed.
ZnCl2 + 2NaHCo3  ZnCO3 + 2NaCl + H2O + CO
(g) Anhydrous zinc chloride absorbs ammonia gas and forms an addition compound.
ZnCl2 + 4NH3  ZnCl2.4NH3
(i) Its syrupy solution when mixed with zinc oxide, ZnO, sets to a hard mass forming an
oxychloride, ZnCl2.3ZnO.
Zinc sulphate (White vitriol), ZnSO4.7H2O
Preparation: It is prepared by reacting zinc with dilute sulphuric acid. It can also be prepared by
dissolving zinc oxide or carbonate in dilute sulphuric acid. The solution on concentration
and crystallisation below 39oC gives colourless crystals of zinc sulphate, ZnSO4.7H2O.
Zn + H2SO4  ZnSO4 + H2
ZnO + H2SO4  ZnSO4 + H2O
ZnCO3 + H2SO4  ZnSO4 + H2O + CO2
Properties: (a) It is a colourless, crystalline solid. It is an efflorescent substance. It is freely
soluble in water.
(b) On heatng, the following changes occur.
Above 39o C o
 ZnSO4.6H2O Above
ZnSO4.7H2O   o   
70 C
 ZnSO4.H2O
Below 70 C

o
Above 280 C 

800o C ZnSO
4
O2 + SO2 + ZnO 

(anhydrous)
o
ZnSO4 800
 C
 ZnO + SO3

SO2 + ½O2
(c) When sodium hydroxide is added to the solution of zinc sulphate, a white precipitate of
zinc hydroxide appears which dissolves in excess of NaOH forming sodium zincate.
ZnSO4 + 2NaOH  Zn(OH)2 + Na2SO4
Zn(OH)2 + 2NaOH  Na2ZnO2 + 2H2O
(d) When sodium carbonate solution is added to the solution of zinc su;phate, a white
precipitate of basic zinc carbonate is formed.
4ZnSO4 +4Na2CO3 + 3H2O  ZnCO3.3Zn(OH)2 + 4Na2SO4 + 3CO2
However, when the solution of sodium becarbonate is added, normal zinc carbonate is formed.
ZnSO4 +2NaHCO3  ZnCO3 + Na2SO4 +H2O + CO2
(e) With alkali metal sulphates and (NH 4)2SO4, it forms double sulphates such as
K2SO4.ZnSO4.6H2O.

Compounds of Silver
Silver nitrate (Lunar caustic), AgNO3
Silver nitrate is the most common and important salt of silver.
Preparation: It is prepared by heating silver with dilute nitric acid. The solution is concentrated
and cooled when the crystals of silver nitrate separate out.
3Ag + 4HNO 3 Heat
 3AgNO3 + NO +2H2O
(Dilute)

Properties:
(a) It is a colourless crystalline compound, soluble in water and alcohol. It melts at 212oC.
(b) In contact with organic substance it blackens due to decomposition into metallic silver.
Thus, it leaves black stains when comes in contact with skin and clothes. It produces burning
sensation like caustic and leaves a white stain (usually a black stain) like the moon luna on
skin and thus, called Lunar caustic. It is decomposed by light also and therefore stored in
coloured bottles.
(c) On heating above its melting point, it decomposes to silver nitrtie and oxygen.
2AgNO3  2AgNO2 + O2
When heated at red heat, it further decomposes to metallic silver.
2AgNO3  2Ag + 2NO2 + O2
(d) Solutions of halides, phosphates, sulphides, chromates, thiocyanates, sulphates and
thiosulphates, all give a precipitate of the corresponding silver salt with silver nitrate solution.

On account of these reactions, silver nitrate is an excellent laboratory regent for the
identification of various acidic radical.
(e) Solid AgNO3 absorbs ammonia gas with the formation of an addition compound,
AgNO3.3NH3.
(f) When treated with a solution of NaOH, it forms precipitate of silver oxide. Originally, it
has brown colour but turns black when dried.
2AgNO3 + 2NaOH  Ag2O + 2NaNO3 + H2O
(g) When KCN is added to silver nitrate, a white precipitate of silver cyanide appears which
dissolves in excess of KCN forming a cimplex salt, potassium argento cyanide.
AgNO3 + KCN  AgCN + KNO3
AgCN + KCN  KAg(CN) 2
Potassium argentocya nide
 (h) When sodium thiosulphate is added to silver nitrate, a white precipitate of silver
thiosulphate appears. This precipitate, however, dissolves in excess of sodium thioslphate
forming a complex salt.
2AgNO3 + Na2S2O3  Ag2S2O3 + 2NaNO3
Ag2S2O3 + 3Na2S2O3  2Na3 [Ag(S2O3 ) 2 ]
Sodium argentothiosulphate

(i) AgNO3 reacts with iodine in two ways:

(a) 6AgNO3 (excess) + 3I2 + 3H2O  AgIO3 + 5AgI + 6HNO3
(b) 5AgNO3 + 3I2 (excess) + 3H2O  HIO3 + 5AgI + 5HNO3

(j) Silver is readily displaced from as aqueous silver nitrate solution by the base metals,
particularly, if the solution is somewhat acidic,
2AgNO3 + Cu  2Ag + Cu(NO3)2
2AgNO3 + Zu  2Ag + Zn(NO3)2
(k) Phosphine, arsine and stibine all precipitate silver from silver nitrate solution.
PH3 + 6AgNO3 + 3H2O  6Ag + 6HNO3 + H3PO3
AsH3 + 6AgNO3 + 3H2O  6Ag + 6HNO3 + H3AsO3
(l) All halogen acids, except HF, precipitate silver halides from aqueous solution of AgNO3.
AgNO3 + HX  AgX + HNO3
(b) It converts glucose to gluconic acid.
Ag2O + C6H12O6  2Ag + C6H12O7
(c) It oxidies formaldehyde to formic acid.
Ag2O + HCHO  2Ag + HCOOH
Uses: (i) It is used as a laboratory reagent for the identification of various acidic radicals especially
for chloride, bromide and iodide. The ammonical silver nitrate solution, i.e., Tollen’s reagent
sugars, etc.
(ii) Silver nitrate is used for making silver halides which are used in photography.
(v) It is used extensivley for the preparation of silver mirrors. The process of depositing a
thin and uniform layer of silver on a clean glass surface is known as silvering of mirrors. It
is employed for making looking glasses, concave mirrors and reflecting surfaces. The process
is based on the reduction of ammonical silver nitrate solution by some reducing agent like
formaldehyde, gloucose, etc. The silver film deposited on the glass is first coated with a
varnish and finally painted with red lead to prevent its being scraped off.

Compounds of Copper
Copper forms two series of compounds
1. Cuprous compounds: In which copper is monovalent. Most of the cuprous compounds are
colourless and diamagnetic as 3d shell is completely filled. Cu2O and Cu2S are red and
black, respectively, which are exceptions. Cuprous compounds are generally insoluble in
water. The soluble compounds are unstable in aqueous solutions, since they disproportionate
to Cu2+ and Cu.
2Cu+  Cu2+ + Cu
Cuprous compounds can be obtained by passing sulphur dioxide through a solution containing
copper sulphate and sodium salt. Some examples are given below:
2CuCl + Na SO + 2H SO
(i) 2CuSO4 + 2NaCl + SO2 + 2H2O  Cuprous chloride 2 4 2 4
 (ii) 2CuSO4 + 2NaBr + SO2 + 2H2  2CuBr + Na2SO4 + 2H2SO4
Cuprous bromide

(iii) 2CuSO4 + 2NaI + SO2 +2H2O  2CuI + Na2SO4 + 2H2SO4

Cuprous iodide

2CuCN + Na SO + 2H SO
(iv) 2CuSO4 + 2NaCN + SO2 + 2H2O  Cuprous cyandia 2 4 2 4

2CuCNS + Na SO + 2H SO
(v) 2CuSO4 + 2NaCNS + SO2 + 2H2O  Cuprous thiocyanate 2 4 2 4

The reactions (iii) and (iv) can take place even in absence of sulphur dioxide.
2CuSO4 + 4NaI  2CuI + 2Na2SO4 + I2
2CuSO4 + 4NaCN  2CuCN + 2Na2SO4 + (CN)2
The true molecular formula of cuprous compounds is still doubtful. There are expermental
evidences for dimeric molecule. The most important compound of this class is cuprous
chloride.

Cuprous Chloride, Cu2Cl2

Preparation: It is prepared (i) by heating excess of copper with concentrated hydrochloric acid in
presence of a little potassium chlorate.
Cu + 2HCl + O  CuCl2 + H2O
CuCl2 + Cu  Cu2Cl2
(ii) By boiling copper sulphate solution with excess of copper turnings in presence of
hydrochloric acid.
CuSO4 + 2HCl  CuCl2 + H2SO4
CuCl2 + Cu  Cu2CL2
(iii) By heating cupric chloride with zinc or sulphur dioside.
2CuCl2 + Zn  Cu2Cl2 + ZnCL2
2CuCl2 + 2H2O + SO2  Cu2Cl2 + 2HCl + H2SO4
(iv) By passing SO2 thruough the solution containing copper sulphate and sodium chloride.
2CuSO4 + 2NaCl + 2H2O + SO2  Cu2Cl2 + Na2SO4 + 2H2SO4
Properties:(i) It is a white solid. It is insoluble in water but soluble in excess of hydrochloric acid.
Cu2Cl2 + 4HCl  2H2CuCl3
Cu2Cl2 + 6HCl  2H3CuCl4
(ii) It gradually turns green on exposure in air due to oxidation.
2Cu2Cl2 + 2H2O + O2  2[CuCl2.Cu(OH)2]
(iii) The solution of cuprous chloride in HCl is oxidised by air or oxidising agents into
cupric chloride.
1
Cu2Cl2 + 2HCl + O 2  2CuCl2 + H2O
2
(iv) The solution of cuprous chloride in HCl absorbs carbon monoxide and forms an addition
compound.
Cu2Cl2 + 2CO  2CuCl. CO
The addition compound decomposes on heating evolving carbon monoxide. The reaction is
uitilised for the removel of carbon monoxide.
(v) It dissolves in aqueous ammonia forming a colourless soultion due to the formation of
the complex Cu(NH3)2Cl.
 (vi) The ammonical cuprous chloride solution absorbs acetylene to form bright red precipitate
of cuprous acetylide, Cu2C2.
2Cu(NH3)2Cl + C2H2  Cu2C2 + 2NH3 + 2NH4Cl
Acetylene can be regenerated by treating the acetylide with strong HCl. The reaction is ,
therefore, used for the purification and separation of acetylene.
Cu2C2 + 2HCl  C2H2 + Cu2Cl2
(vii) Cuprous chloride with caustic alkalies gives a yellow precipitate of cuprous oxide
which gradually changes to red.
Cu2Cl2 + 2NaOH  Cu O 2 + 2NaCl + H2O
Yellow changing
to red

(viii) With H2S, cuprous chloride forms a black precipitate of cuprous sulphide.
Cu2Cl2 + H2S  Cu2S + 2HCl
(ix) With sodium chloride or potassium chloride solution cuprous chloride forms a soluble
complex.
Cu2Cl2 + 6NaCl  2Na3CuCl4
Cu2Cl2 + 6KCl  2K3CuCl4
(x) Dry cuprous chloride forms addition compounds with ammonia gas of the formula
1
CuCl.nNH3 where n= 1, 1 , 3.
2
Uses: (i) Ammonical solution of cuprous chloride is used for absorbing acetylene.
(ii) HCl solution of cuprous chloride is used for absorption of carbon monooxide.
(iii) It is also used for absorption of ammonia gas.
Cupric compounds: In which copper is divalent, cupric compounds are more stable, more
common and generally more stable. Most of the anhydrous cupric compounds are colourless
while the hydrated compounds are generally blue due to the formation of blue hydrated ion,
[Cu(H2O)4]2+ or [Cu(H2O)6]2+. Compounds of Cu2+ ions are paramagenetic due to presence
of one unpaired electron in 3d energy shell, i.e., configuration of Cu2+ is 3d9. Some important
cupric compounds are described here.

Cupric Oxide, CuO

It is called black oxide of copper.
Preparation: It is prepared-
(i) By heating Cu2O in air or by heating copper for a long time in air (The temperature should
not exceed above 1100oC).
1 2
Cu2O + O  2CuO
2
2Cu + O2  2CuO
(ii) by heating cupric hydroxide,
Cu(OH)2  CuO + H2O
(iii) by heating copper nitrate,
2Cu(NO3)2  2CuO + 4NO2 + O2
(iv) on a commercial scale, it is obtained by heating malachite which is found in nature.
CuCO3.Cu(OH)2  2CuO + CO2 + H2O
Properties:
(a) It is black powder and stable to moderate heating.
(b) The oxide is insoluble in water but dissolves in acids forming corresponding salts.
CuO + 2HCl  CuCl2 + H2O
CuO + H2SO4  CuSO4 + H2O
CuO + 2HNO3  Cu(NO3)2 + H2O
(c) When heated to 1100 - 1200oC, it is converted into cuprous oxide with evolution of
oxygen.
4CuO  2Cu2O + O2
(d) It is reduced to metallic copper by reducing agents like hydrogen, carbon and carbon
monoxide.
CuO + H2  Cu + H2O
CuO + C  Cu + CO
CuO + CO  Cu + CO2

Cupric Chloride, CuCl2.2H2O

Preparation: (i) The metal or cupric oxide or cupric hydroxide or copper carbonate is dissolved
in conc. HCl. The resulting solution on crystallisation gives green crystals of hydrated cupric
chloride.
2Cu + 4HCl +O2  2CuCl2 + 2H2O
CuO + 2HCl  CuCl2 + H2O
Cu(OH)2CuCO3 + 4HCl  2CuCl2 + 3H2O + CO2
(ii) Anhydrous cupric chloride is obtained as a dark brown mass when copper metal is heated
in excess of chlorine gas or by heating hydrated cupric chloride in HCl gas at 150oC.
Cu + Cl2  CuCl2

150 C
CuCl2.2H2O HCl
 CuCl + 2H O
gas 2 2

Properties: (i) It is deliquescent compound and is reado;u soluble in water. The dilute solution is
blue but concentrated solution is, however, green. It changes to yellow whne conc. HCl is
added. The blue colour is due to complex cation [Cu(H2O)4]2+ and yellow colour due to
complex anion [CuCl4]2- and green when both are present.
(ii) The aqueous solution is acidic due to its hydrolyis.
CuCl2 + 2H2O Cu(OH)2 + 2HCl
(iii) The anhydrous salt on heating forms Cu2Cl2 and Cl2.
2CuCl2  Cu2Cl2 + Cl2
while the hydrated salt on strong heating gives CuO, Cu2Cl2, HCl and Cl2.
3CuCl2.2H2O  CuO + Cu2Cl2 + 2HCl + Cl2 5H2O
(iv) It is readily reduced to Cu2Cl2 by copper turnings, or SO2 gas, or hydrogen (Nascent -
obtained by the action of HCl on Zn) or SnCl2.
CuCl2 + Cu  Cu2Cl2
2CuCl2 + SO2 + 2H2O  CuCl2 + 2HCl + H2SO4
2CuCl2 + 2H  CuCl2 + 2HCl
2CuCl2 + SnCl2  Cu2Cl2 + SnCl4
(v) A pale blue precipitate of basic cupric chloride, CuCl2.3Cu(OH)2 is obtained when NaOH
is added.
 CuCl2 2NaOH  Cu(OH)2 + 2NaCl
CuCl2 +3Cu(OH)2  CuCl2.3Cu(OH)2
It dissolves in ammonium hydroxide forming a deep blue solution. On evaporating of this
solution deep blue crystals of tetrammine cupric chloride are obtained.
CuCl2 + 4NH4OH  Cu(NH3)4Cl2.H2O + 3H2O

Copper Sulphate (Blue Vitriol), CuSO4..5H2O

Copper sulphate is the most common compound of copper. It is calles as blue vitriol or Nila Thotha.
Preparation: (i) Copper sulphate is prepared in the laboratory by dissolving cupric oxide or
hydroxide or carbonate in dilute sulphuric acid. The solution is evaporated and crystallised.
CuO + H2SO4  CuSO4 + H2O
Cu(OH)2 + H2SO4  CuSO4 + 2H2O
Cu(OH)2CuCO3 + 2H2SO4  2CuSO4 + 3H2O + CO2
(ii) On a commercial scale, it is prepared from scrap copper is placed in a perforated lead
bucket which is dipped into hot dilute sulphuric acid. Air is blown thruough the acid. Copper
sulphate is crystallised from the solution.
1 2
Cu + H2SO4 + O (air)  CuSO + H O
2 4 2

Properties: (a) It is a blue crystalline compound and is fairly soluble in water.

(b) Heating effect: CuSO4.5H2O crystals effloresce on exposure and converted into a pale
blue powder, CuSO4.3H2O is formed. The monohydrate loses last molecule of water at 230oC
giving the anhydrous salt, CuSO4, which is white.
CuSO4.5H2O CuSO4 .3H2 O CuSO 4 .H 2O CuSO 4
Bluish whi te White
Pale blue
Anhydrous copper sulphate (white) regains its blue colour when moistened with a drop of
water (test of water).
If the anhydrous salt is heated at 720oC, it decomposes into cupric oxide and sulphur trioxide.

CuSO4 720
 C
 CuO +

(c) Action of NH4OH: With ammonia solution, it forms the soluble blue complex. First it forms
a precipitate of Cu(OH)2 which dissolves in excess of ammonia solution.
CuSO4 + 2NH4OH  Cu(OH)2 + (NH4)2SO4
Cu(OH)2 + 2NH4OH + (NH4)2SO4  Cu(NH3 ) 4 SO4 + 4H2O
Tetrammine cupric sulphate

The complex is known as Schwixer’s reagent which is used for dissolving cellulose in the
manufacture of artificial silk.
(d) Action of alkalies: Alkalies form a pale blue precipitate of copper hydroxide.
CuSO4 + 2NaOH  Cu(OH)2 + Na2SO4
(e) Action of potassium iodide: First cupric iodide is formed which decomposes to give white
cuprous iodide and iodide.
[CuSO4 + 2KI  CuI2 + K2SO4] x 2
2CuI2  Cu2I2 + I2
–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
2CuSO4 + 4KI  Cu2I2 + 2K2SO4 + I2
(f) Action of potassium cyanide: First cupric cyanide is formed which decomposes to give cuprous
cyanide and cyanogen gas. Cuprous cyanide dissolves in excess of potassium cyanide to
form a complex, potassium cupro cyanide [K3Cu(CN)4].
[CuSO4 + 2KCN  Cu(CN)2 + K2SO4] x 2
2Cu(CN)2  Cu2(CN)2 + (CN)2
Cu2(CN)2 + 6KCN  2K3Cu(CN)4
___________________________________________________
2CuSO4 + 10KCN  2K3Cu(CN)4 + 2K2SO4 + (CN)2
(g) Action of potassium ferrocyanide: Reddish brown precipitate of cupric ferrocyanide is formed.
(test of Cu2+ ion)
2CuSO4 + K4Fe(CN)6  Cu2Fe(CN)6 + 2K2SO4
(h) Addition of electropositive metals: Electropositive elements like zinc and iron precipitate
copper from a solution of copper sulphate.
CuSO4 + Fe  Cu + FeSO4
CuSO4 + Zn  Cu + ZnSO4
(i) Action of H2S: When H2S is passed through copper sulphate solution, a black precipitate of
copper sulphide is formed.
CuSO4 + H2S  CuS + H2SO4
The black precipitate dissolves in conc. HNO3.
3CuS + 8HNO3  3Cu(NO3)2 + 2NO + 3S + 4H2O
(j) Action of potassium sulphocyanide: Cupric sulphocyanide is formed.
CuSO4 + 2KCNS  Cu(CNS)2 + K2SO4
If SO2 is passed through the solution, a white precipitate of cuprous sulphocyanide is formed.
2CuSO4 + 2KCNS + SO2 +2H2O  Cu2(CNS)2 + K2SO4 + 2H2SSO4
[This is the general method for obtaining cuprous compounds].
(k) Double sulphates: Copper sulphate forms double salts with alkali sulphate to form cupric
thiosulphate which is reduced by sodium thiosulphate. The cuprous compound thus formed
dissolves in excess of sodium thiosulphate to form a complex.
CuSO4 + Na2S2O3  CuS2O3 + Na2SO4
2CuS2O3 + Na2S2O3  Cu2S2O3 + Na2S4O6
3Cu2S2O3 + 2Na2S2O3  Na4[Cu6(S2O3)5]
Uses: (i) Copper sulphate is used for the preparation of other copper compounds.
(ii) It finds use in electroplating, electrotyping, calicoprinting and dyeing.
(iii) It is used in agriculture as afungicide and germicide.

Bordeaux mixture consisting copper sulphate and lime is used to kill moulda and fungi on vines,
trees, potatoes, etc.
(iv) It is used as a laboratory reagent especially in the preparation of Fehling’s soluton.
(v) It finds use as an antiseptic in medicine.
(vi) It is extensivley used in electric batteries.
Compounds of Iron
Ferrous sulphate (Green witriol), FeSO4.7H2O
This is the best known ferrous salt. It occurs in nature as copper and is formed by the oxidation
of purites under the action of water and atmospheric air.
2FeS2 + 7O2 + H2O  2FeSO4 + 2H2SO4
Preparation:
(i) It is obtained by dissolving scrap iron in dilute sulphuric acid.
Fe + H2SO4  FeSO4 + H2
The solution is crystallised by the addition of alcohol as ferrous sulphate is sparingly soluble
in it.
Manufacture: Commercially, ferrous sulphate is obtained by the slow oxidation of iron pyrites in
the presence of air and moisture. The pyrites are exposed to air in big heaps.
2FeS2 + 2H2O + 7O2  2FeSO4 + 2H2SO4
Properties:
(i) Hydrated ferrous sulphate (FeSO4.7H2O) is green crystalline compound. Due to atmospheric
oxidation, the crystals acquire brownish-yellow colour due to formation of basic ferric
sulphate.
4FeSO4 + 2H2O + O2  4Fe(OH)SO4
Basic ferric sulphate
o
(ii) Action of heat: At 300 , it becomes anhydrous. The anhydrous ferrous sulphate is colourless.
The anhydrous salt when strongly heated, breaks up to form ferric oxide with the evolution
of SO2 and SO3.

FeSO 4 .7H 2 O 300
 C
 FeSO 4 High
 Fe O + SO + SO
Green 7H O
2 WhiteTemp . 2 3 2 3

(iii) The aqueous solution of ferrous sulphate is slightly acidic due to its hydrolysis.
FeSO4 + 2H2O Fe(OH) 2 + H 2SO 4
Weak base Strong acid

(iv) Ferrous sulphate is a strong reducing agent.

(a) It decolourises acidified potassium permanganate.
2KMnO4 + 3H2SO4  K2SO4 + 2MnSO4 + 3H2O + 5[O]
[2FeSO4 + H2SO4 + O  Fe2(SO4)3 + H2O] x 5
__________________________________________________________
10FeSO4 + 2KMnO4 + 8H2SO4  5Fe2(SO4)3 + K2SO4 + 2MnSO4 + 8H2O
(b) It turns potassium dichromate (acidified) green as dichromate is reduced to chromic salt (green).
K2Cr2O7 + 4H2SO4  K2SO4 + Cr2(SO4)3 + 4H2O + 3[O]
[2FeSO4 | H2SO4 + O  Fe2(SO4)3 + H2O x 3
__________________________________________________________
6FeSO4 + K2Cr2O7 + 7H2SO4  3Fe2(SO4)3 + K2SO4 +Cr2(SO4)3 + 7H2O
(c) It reduces gold chloride to gold.
AuCl3 + 3FeSO4  Au + Fe2(SO4)3 + FeCl3
(d) It reduces mercuric chloride to mercurous chloride.
[2HgCl2  Hg2Cl2 + 2Cl] x 3
[3FeSO4 + 3Cl  Fe2(SO4)3 + FeCl3] x 2
_________________________________________________________
6HgCl2 + 6FeSO4  3Hg2Cl2 + 2Fe2(SO4)3 + 2FeCl3
(v) A cold solution of ferrous sulphate absorbs nitirc oxide forming dark brown addition compound,
nitroso ferrous sulphate.
FeSO4 + NO  FeSO .NO 4
Nitroso ferrous sulphate
(Brown)

The NO gas is evolved when the solution is heated.

(vi) It forms double sulphates of the composition R2SO4.FeSO4.6H2O where R = an alkali metal
metal or NH4+ radical. (NH4)2SO4.FeSO4.6H2O (ferrous ammonium sulphate) is known as
Mohr’s salt.
(vii) It combines with potassium cyanide (excess) forming potassium ferrocyanide, K4Fe(CN)6.
FeSO4 + 2KCN  Fe (CN)2 + K2SO4
Fe(CN)2 + 4KCN  K4Fe(CN)6
_____________________________
FeSO4 + 6KCN  K4Fe(CN)6 + K2SO4
Ferrous Ammonium Sulphate (Mohr’s salt). (NH4)2SO4.FeSO4.6H2O
Preparation: The double salt is best prepared by making saturated solutions of pure ferrous sulphte
and pure ammonium sulphate in air free distilled water at 40oC. Both the solutions are mixed
and allowed to cool. Generally, few drops of sulphuric acid and a little iron wire are added
before crystallisation as to prevent oxidation of ferrous sulphate into ferric sulphate. The
salt is obtained as pale green crystals.
Properties: It is pale green crystalline compound which does not effloresce like ferrous sulphate.
It is less readily oxidised in the solid state.
Ferric chloride, FeCl3
This is the most important ferric salt. It is known in anhydrous and hydrated forms. The
hydrated form consists of six water molecles, FeCl3.6H2O.
Preparation: (i) Anhydrous ferric chloride is obtained by passing dry chlorine gas over heated
iron fillings AS shown in figure.
The vapours are condensed in a bottle attached to the outlet of the tube.
2Fe + 3Cl2  2FeCl3
(ii) Hydrated ferric chloride is obtained by the action of hydrochloric acid on ferric carbonate,
ferric hydroxide or ferric oxide.
Fe2(CO3)3 + 6HCl  2FeCl3 + 3H2O + 3CO2
Fe(OH)3 + 3HCl  FeCl3 + 3H2O
__________________________________
Fe2O3 + 6HCl  2FeCl3 + 3H2O
 The solution on evaporation and cooling deposits yellow crystals of hydrated ferric chloride,
FeCl3.6H2O.
Properties: (i) Anhydrous ferric chloride is a dark red deliquescent solid. It is sublimed at about
300oC and its vapour density corresponds to dimeric formula, Fe2Cl6. The dimer dissociates
at high temperatures to FeCl3. The dissociation into FeCl3 is complete at 750oC. Above this
temperature it breaks into ferrous chloride and chlorine.

Fe2Cl6 2FeCl3 2FeCl2 + Cl2

(ii) Anhydrous ferric chloride behaves as a covalent compound as it is soluble in non-polar solvents
like ether, alchol, etc. It is represented by chlorine bridge structure.

(iii) It dissolves in water. The solution is acidic in nature due to its hydrolysis as shown below:
FeCl3 + 3HOH Fe(OH)3 + 3HCl
The solution is stabilised by the addition of hydrochloric acid to prevent hydrolysis.
(iv) Anhydrous ferric chloride absorvs absorbs ammonia.
FeCl3 + 6NH3  FeCl3.6NH3
(v) Ferric chloride acts as an oxidising agent.
(a) It oxidises stannous chloride to stannic chloride.
2FeCl3 + SnCl2  2FeCl2 + SnCl4
(b) It oxidises SO2 To H2SO4.
2FeCl3 + SO2 2H2O  2FeCl2 + H2SO4 + 2HCl
(c) It oxidises H2S to S.
2FeCl3 + H2S  2FeCl2 + 2HCl + S
(d) It liberates iodine from KI.
2FeCl3 + 2KI  2FeCl2 + 2KCl + I2
(e) Nascent hydrogen reduces FeCl3 into FeCl2.
FeCl3 + H  FeCl2 + HCl
(vi) When ammonium hydroxide is added to the solution of ferric chloride, a reddish - brown
precipitate of ferric hydroxide is formed.
FeCl3 + 3NH4OH  Fe(OH)3 + 3NH4Cl
(vii) When a solution of thiocyanate ions is added to ferric chloride solution, a deep red colouration
is produced due to formation of a complex salt.
FeCl3 + NH4CNS  Fe(SCN)Cl2 + NH4Cl
Or FeCl3 + 3NH4CNS  Fe(SCN)3 + 3NH4Cl
(viii) Ferric chloride forms a complex, prussian blue with potassium ferrocyanide.
4FeCl3 + 3K4Fe(CN)6  Fe 4 [Fe(CN) 6 ]3 + 12KCl
Prussian blue
(Ferri ferrocyani de)

(ix) On heating hydrated ferric chloride FeCl3.6H2O, anhydrous ferric chloride is not obtained. It is
changed to Fe2O3 with evolution of H2O and HCl.
2[FeCl3.6H2O] Heat  Fe2O3 + 6HCl + 9H2O
Hydrated ferric chloride may be dehydrated by heating with thionyl chloride.
FeCl3.6H2O + 6SOCl2  FeCl3 + 12HCl + 6SO2
Corrosion of iron:
Corrosion is defined as the gradual transformation of a metal into its combined state because
of the reaction with the environment. Metals are usually extracted from their ores. Nature
tries to convert them again into the ore form. The process by which the metals have the
tendency to go back to their combined state, is termed corrosion.

When iron is exposed to moist air, it is found covered with a reddish - brown coating which
can easily be detached. The redish brown coating is called ‘rust’. Thus, the corrosion of iron
or fromation of the rust is called rusting. The composition of the rust is not certain but it
mainly contains hydrated ferric oxide, 2Fe2O3.3H2O, together with a small quantity of ferrous
carbonate. The rust is formed by the action of water on iron in presence of dissolved oxygen
and carbon dioxide. It has been observed that impure iron is more prone to rusting.
The following are the favourable conditions for the rusting of iorn:
(i) Presence of moisture
(ii) Presence of a weakly acidic atmosphere
(iii) presence of impurity in the iron.
Various theories have been proposed to explain the phenomenon of rusting of iron but the
accepted theory is the modern electrochemical theory. When impure iron comes in contact
with water containing dissolved carbon dioxide, a voltaic cell is set up. The iron and other
impurities act as electrodes while water having dissolved oxygen and carbon dioxide acts as
an electrolyte. Iron atoms pass into solution as ferrous ions.
Fe  Fe2+ + 2 e
Iron, thus, acts as anode.
The impurities act as cathode. At the cathode, the cathode, the electrons are used in forming
hydroxyl ions.
H2O + O + 2e  2OH-
In presence of dissolved oxygen, ferrous ions are oxidised to ferric ions which combine
with hydroxyl ions to form ferric hydroxide.
Fe3+ + 3OH-  Fe(OH)3
[2Fe2+ + H2O + O  2Fe3+ + 2OH-]
Corrosion or rusting is a surface phenomenon and thus, the protection of the surface prevents
the corrosion. Iron can be protected from the rusting by use of following methods:
(i) Applying paints, lacquers and enamels on the surface of iron.
(iii) By coating a thin film of zinc, tin, nickel, chromum, aluminium, etc.

Ferric Oxide (Fe2O3)

Preparation: (i) Hydrolysis of FeCl3 actually give red-gelatinous ppt. of the hydrous oxide
Fe2O3(H2O)4 which on heating at 200oC give red-brown α - Fe2O3.
(ii) It occur in haematite ore (Fe2O3).
 (iii) On oxidation of Fe3O4, γ - Fe2O3 is formed.

(iv) 6Fe2O3 1400
 CΔ 4 Fe3O4 + O2 Fe3O4 is a mixed oxide FeO - Fe2O3 (Occur as magnetite).

Properties:
(a) Freshly precipitate Fe2O3. (H2O)4 dissolve in acid giving pale violet [Fe(H2O)6]3+ ion.
(b) [Fe2O3. (H2O)4] also dissolve in concentrated NaOH forming [Fe(OH)6]3-.
(v) Fusion of Fe2O3 with Na2CO3 give NaFeO2 (Sodium ferrites) which is hydeolysed to Fe2O3 &
NaOH
Na2CO3 + Fe2O3  2NaFeO2 + CO2
2NaFeO2 + H2O  2NaOH + Fe2O3
(vi) If Cl2 gas is passed into an alkaline soultion of hydrated ferric oxide, a red purple soultion is
formed, containing the ferrate ion [FeivO4]2-.
Fe2O3 + 2NaOH  2NaFeO2 + H2O
2NaFeO2 + H2O  2Na2FeO4 + 2NaCl + 2H2
(vii) Na2FeO4 can also be obtained by oxidation of Fe2O3 with NaOCl (Sod. hypochloride).
(viii) Na2FeO4 has Fe (+ VI) and is a strong oxidizing agent (like KMnO4).

Potassium Permanganate, KMnO4

This is the most important and well known salt of permanganic acid. It is prepared from the
pyrolusite ore. It is prepared by fusing pyrolusite ore either with KOH or K2CO3 in presence
of atmospheric oxygen or any other oxidising agent such as KNO3. The mass turns green
with the formation of potassium manganate, K2MnO4.
2MnO2 + 4KOH + O2  2K2MnO4 + 2H2O
2MnO2 + 2K2CO3 + O2  2K2MnO4 + 2CO2
The fused mass is extracted with water. The solution is now treated with a current of chlorine
or ozone or carbon dioxide to convert manganate into permanganate.
2K2MnO4 +Cl2  2KMnO4 + 2KCl
2K2MnO4 = H2O + O3  2KMnO4 + 2KOH + O2
3K2MnO4 + 2CO2  2KMnO4 + MnO2 + 2K2CO3
It is purple coloured crystalline compound. It is fairly soluble in water. When heated alone
or with an alkali, it decomposes evolving oxygen.
2KMnO4  K2MnO4 + MnO2 + O2
4KMnO4 + 4KOH  4K2MnO4 + 2H2O + O2
On treatment with conc. H2SO4, it forms manganese heptoxide via permanganyl sulphate
which decomposes explosively on heating.
2KMnO4 + 3H2SO4  2KHSO4 + (MnO3)2SO4 + 2H2O
(MnO3)2SO4 + H2O  Mn2O7 + H2SO4
3
Mn2O7  2MnO2 + O2
2
Potassium permanganate acts as an oxidising agent in alkaline, neutral or acidic solutions.
(a) In alkaline solution: KMnO4 is first reduced to manganate and then to insoluble manganese
dioxide. Colour changes first purple to green and finally becomes colourless. However
brownish precipitate is formed.
2KMnO4 + 2KOH  2K2MnO4 + H2O + O
 2K2MnO4 + 2H2O  2MnO2 + 4KOH + 2O
_______________________________________
2KMnO4 + H2O   2MnO2 + 2KOH + 3[O]
Alkaline

or 2MnO 4 + H2O  2MnO2 + 2OH- + 3[O]

(b) In neutral solution: MnO2 is formed. Brownish ppt. is present.
2KMnO4 + H2O  2MnO2 + 2KOH + 3[O]
or 2MnO 4 + H2O  2MnO2 + 2OH- + 3[O]
or MnO 4 + 2H2O + 3e-  MnO2 + 4OH-
(c) In acidic solution (in presence of dilute H2SO4): Manganous sulphate is formed. The solution
becomes colourless.
2KMnO4 + 3H2SO4  K2SO4 + 2MnSO4 + 3H2O + 5[O]
or 2 MnO 4 + 6H+  2Mn2+ + 3H2O + 5[O]
or MnO 4 + 8H+ + 5e-  Mn2+ + 4H2O
This medium is used in quantitative (volumetric) estimations. The equivalent mass of KMnO4
Mol. mass
in acidic medium is = 5
. The oxidation reactions of acidified KMnO4 are catalysed
by Mn (ii) ion.
The important oxidation reactions are:
(i) Ferrous salts are oxidised to ferric salts.
2KMnO4 + 3H2SO4  K2SO4 + 2MnSO4 + 3H2O + 5[O]
[2FeSO4 + H2SO4 + [O]  Fe2(SO4)3 + H2O] x 5
________________________________________________________
2KMnO4 + 10FeSO4 + 8H2SO4  5Fe2\(SO4)3 + K2SO4 + 2MnSO4 + 8H2O
or 2MnO 4 + 10Fe2+ + 16H+  10Fe3+ + 2Mn2+ + 8H2O
(ii) Iodine is evolved from potassium iodide.
2KMnO4 + 3H2SO4  K2SO4 + 2MnSO4 + 3H2O + 5[O]
[2KI + H2SO4 + [O]  K2SO4 + I2 + H2O] x 5
________________________________________________
2KMnO4 + 10 KI + 8H2SO4  6K2SO4 + 2MnSO4 + 5I2 + 8H2O
or 2MnO 4 + 10I- + 16H+  2Mn2+ + 5I2 + 8H2O
(iii) H2S is oxidised to sulphur.
2KMnO4 + 3H2SO4 + 5H2S  K2SO4 + 2MnSO4 + 5S = 8H2O
(iv) SO2 is oxidised to H2SO4 .
2KMnO4 + 5SO2 + 2H2O  K2SO4 + 2MnSO4 + 2H2SO4
(v) Nitrites are oxidised to nitrates.
2KMnO4 + 5KNO2 + 3H2SO4  K2SO4 + 2MnSO4 + 5KNO3 + 3H2O
(vi) Oxalic acid is oxidised to CO2.

+ 2KMnO4 + 3H2SO4  K2SO4 + 2MnSO4 + 10CO2 + 8H2O

(vii) It oxidises hydrogen halides (HCl, HBr or HI) into X2 (halogen).
2KMnO4 + 3H2SO4 + 10 HX  K2SO4 + 2MnSO4 + 8H2O + 5X2
In neutral medium
(i) H2S is oxidised to sulphur.
2KMnO4 + H2O  2MnO2 + 2KOH + 3[O]
[H2S + [O]  H2O + S] x 3
______________________________________
2KMnO4 + 3H2S  2KOH + 2MnO2 + 2H2O + 3S
(ii) Manganese sulpjate is oxidised to MnO2.
2KMnO4 + H2O  2MnO2 + 2KOH + 3 [O]
[MnSO4 + H2O + [O]  MnO2 + H2SO4] x 3
2KOH + H2SO4  K2SO4 + 2H2O
____________________________________________
2KMnO4 + 3MnSO4 + 2H2O  K2SO4 + 5MnO2 +2H2SO4
(iii) Sodium thisoulphate is oxidised to sulphate and sulphur.
2KMnO4 + 3Na2S2O3 + H2O  2KOH + 2MnO2 + 3Na2SO4 + 3S
In alkaline medium
(i) It oxidises iodide to iodate.
2KMnO4 + H2O  2KOH + 2MnO2 + 3[O]
KI + 3[O]  KIO3
_____________________________________
2KMnO4 + KI + H2O  2KOH + 2MnO2 + KIO
(ii) It oxidises ethylene to ethylene glyocl.

+ H2O +[O] 

In alkaline medium it is called Bayer’s reagent.

Uses: (i) KMnO4 is used as an oxidising agent in laboratory and industry. In volumetric esrimations,
the solution is first standardised before use.
(ii) Alkaline potassium permanganate is called Bayer’s reagent. This reagent is used in organic
chemistry for the test of unsaturation. KMnO4 is used in the manufacture os saccharin,
benxoic acid, acetaldehyde, etc.
(iii) KMnO4 is used in qualitative analysis for detecting halides, sulphites, oxalates, etc.
Potassium Dichromate, K2Cr2O7
It is the most important compound of Cr(VI). It is manufactured from chromite ore. is first
converted into sodium dichromate . The hot saturated solution of sodium dichromate is
mixed with KCl. Sodium chloride of sodium chloride precipitates out from the hot solution
which is filtered off. On cooling the mother liquor, crystals of potassium dichromate separate
out.
It is orange-red coloured crystalline compound. It is moderately soluble in cold water but
freely soluble in hot water. It melts at 398oC. On heating strongly, it decomposes liberating
oxygen.
3
2K2Cr2O7  2K2CrO4 + Cr2O3 + O2
2
On heating with alkalies, it is converted to chromate, i.e., the colour changes from orange to
yellow. On acidifying, yellow colour again changes to orange.
K2Cr2O7 + 2KOH  2K2CrO4 + H2O
 Cr2O 72- + 2OH-  CrO24- + H O
Orange Yellow 2

CrO24- + 2H+  Cr2O 72- + H O

Yellow Orange 2

In alkaline solution, chromate ions are present while in acidic solution, dichromate ions are
present.
Potassium dichromate reacts with hydrochloric acid and evolves chlorine.
K2Cr2O7 + 14HCl  2KCl + 2CrCl3 + 7H2O + 3Cl2
It acts as a powerful oxidising agent in acidic medium (dilute H2SO4).
Cr2 O 27 - +14H+ 6e-  2Cr3+ + 7H2O
The oxidation state of Cr changes from +6 to +3.
Some typical oxidation reactions are given bleow:
(i) Iodine is liberated from potassium iodide.
K2Cr2O7 + 4H2SO4  K2SO4 + Cr2(SO4)3 + 4H2O + 3[O]
[2KI + H2SO4 + [O]  K2SO4 + I2 + H2O] x 3
_______________________________________________
K2Cr2O7 + 6KI + 7H2SO4  4K2SO4 + Cr2(SO4)3 + 7H2O + 3I2
The equation in terms of electron method may also be written as :
Cr2 O 27 - + 14H+ + 6e-  2Cr3+ + 3I2 + 7H2O
6I-  3I2 + 6e-
_________________________________
Cr2 O 27 - + 14H+ +6I-  2Cr3+ + 3I2 + 7H2O
(ii) Ferrous salts are oxidised to ferric salts.
K2Cr2O7 + 4H2SO4  K2SO4 + Cr2(SO4)3 + 4H2O + 3[O]
[2FeSO4 + H2SO4 + [O]  Fe2(SO4)3 + H2O] x 3
________________________________________________________
K2Cr2O7 + 6FeSO4 + 7H2SO4  3Fe2(SO4)3 + Cr2(SO4)3 + 7H2O + K2SO4
or 6Fe2+ + Cr2 O 27 - + 14H+  6Fe3+ + 2Cr3+ + 7H2O
(iii) Sulphites are oxidised to sulphates.
K2Cr2O7 + 4H2SO4  K2SO4 + Cr2(SO4)3 + 4H2O + 3[O]
[Na2SO3 + [O]  Na2SO4] x 3
K2Cr2O7 + Na2SO3 + 4H2SO4  3Na2SO4 + K2SO4 + Cr2)SO4)3 + 4H2O
or Cr2 O 27 - + 3SO 32 - + 8H+  3SO 24- + 2Cr3+ + 4H2O
(iv) H2S is oxidised to sulphur.
K2Cr2O7 + 4H2SO4 + 3H2S  K2SO4 + Cr2(SO4)3 + 7H2O + 3S
or Cr2 O 27 - + 3H2S + 8H+  2Cr3+ + 7H2O + 3S
(v) So2 is oxidised to H2SO4.
K2Cr2O7 + 4H2SO4  K2SO4 + Cr2(SO4)3 + 4H2O + 3[O]
[SO2+ [O] + H2O  H2SO4] x 3
________________________________________
K2Cr2O7 + H2SO4 3SO2  K2SO4 + Cr2(SO4)3 + H2O
or Cr2 O 27 - + 3SO2 + 2H+  2Cr3+ + 3SO 24- + H2O
When the solution is evaporated, chrome-alum is obtained.
 (vi) It oxidises ethyl alcohal to acetaldehyde and acetaldehyde to acetic acid.
 CH
C 2 H 5 OH [O] 3CHO [O]
Acetaldehyde
 CH3COOH
Ethyl alcohol Acetaldehyde

It also oxidises nitrites to nitrates, arsenites to arsenates, thiosulphate to sulphate and sulphur
( S 2 O 32  + O  S2O24 + S), HBr to Br2, HI to I2 etc.
Chromyl chloride test: This is a test of chloride. When a mixture of a metal chloride and potassium
dichromate is heated with conc. H2SO4, orange red vapours of chrymyl chloride are evolved.
K2Cr2O7 + 2H2SO4  2KHSO4 + 2CrO3 + H2O
[NaCl + H2SO4  NaHSO4 + HCl] x 4
[CrO3 + 2HCl  CrO2Cl2 + H2O] x 2
_______________________________________________________
K2Cr2O7 + 6H2SO4 + 4NaCl  2KHSO4 + 4NaHSO4 + CrO 2 Cl 2 + 3H2O
Chromyl chloride

When chromyl chloride vapours are passed through NaOH solution, yellow coloured solution
is obtained.
4NaOH + CrO2Cl2  Na2CrO4 + 2NaCl + 2H2O
Yellow soln.

Uses: Potassium dichromate is used:

(i) As a volumetric reagent in teh estimation ofreducing agents such as oxalic acid, ferrous
ions, iodide ions, etc. It is used as a primary standrad.

Catalytic Properties:
Transition metals and their compounds have catalytic propetries in most of the reactions
due to surface adsorption.