2248. Chromyl Chloride

Nomenclature

CAS number: 14977-61-8
Dichlorodioxochromium; chromium dioxychloride.
Cl2CrO2; mol wt 154.90.
Cl 45.78%, Cr 33.57%, O 20.66%.
CrO2Cl2.

Description and references

Prepn from CrO3 + HCl: Sisler, Inorg. Synth. 2, 205 (1946); Hein, Herzog in Handbook of Preparative Inorganic Chemistry Vol. 2, G. Brauer, Ed. (Academic Press, New York, 2nd ed., 1965) p 1384; and AlCl3: Flesch, Svec, J. Am. Chem. Soc. 80, 3189 (1958); from Cr2O3 and TiCl4: Braos, Cohen, US 3111380 (1963 to Natl. Distillers & Chem.). Review of chromium halides: Fergusson in Halogen Chemistry Vol. 3, V. Gutmann, Ed. (Academic Press, New York, 1967) pp 227-302.

Properties

Deep red liquid; appears black under reflected light. Fumes in moist air. Handle only in well-ventilated hood. mp -96.5°; bp 117°; d425 1.91. Slightly less viscous than water. Nonconductor of electricity. Strong oxidizing agent; can react explosively with combustible organic and inorganic substances. Hydrolyzes vigorously on contact with water. Reacts vigorously with liquid or gaseous ammonia. Sol in CCl4, CS2, benzene, nitrobenzene, CHCl3, POCl3. Its soln in CCl4 is fairly stable. Liquid CrO2Cl2 is stable indefinitely in glass, aluminum, stainless steel containers if protected from light and moisture. CrO2Cl2 dissolves CrO3, yielding a powerful oxidant.

Caution

Potential symptoms of overexposure are irritation of eyes, skin, upper respiratory system; eye, skin burns. See NIOSH Pocket Guide to Chemical Hazards (DHHS/NIOSH 97-140, 1997) p 72.

Use

Catalyst for polymerization of olefins; oxidation of hydrocarbons; in the Etard reaction for production of aldehydes and ketones; in the prepn of various coordination complexes of Cr.