General Properties Atomic number Element category 24 Transition metal

group, period, block

Standard atomic weight Electron configuration Electron per shell

6, 4, d
51.9961 [Ar]4s1 3d5 2, 8, 13, 1 Physical properties

Phase Density

Solid 7.19 g cm-3

Liquid density Melting point

Boiling point Heat of fusion Heat of vaporation Molar heat capacity

6.13 g cm-3 2180 K

2944 K 21.0 kJ mol-1 339.5 kJ mol-1 23.35 J mol-1 K-1

Vapor Pressure P (Pa) At T (K) 1 1656 10 1807 100 1991 1k 2223 10 k 2530 100 k 2942

Atomic Properties
Oxidation state Electronegativity Ionization energies 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1, -1, -2 1.66 (Pauling scale) 1st : 652.9 kJ mol-1 2nd : 1590.6 kJ mol-1 3rd : 2987 kJ mol-1 Atomic radius Covalent radius 128 pm 139 pm

Characteristics
Chromium is remarkable for its magnetic properties: it is the only elemental solid which shows antiferromagnetic ordering at room temperature (and below). Above 38 C, it transforms into a paramagnetic state. Chromium is very dense, and prevents the diffusion of oxygen into the underlying material. Chromium metal left standing in air is passivated by oxygen, forming a thin protective oxide surface layer. Passivated chromium is stable against acids. The opposite effect can be achieved by treatment with a strong reducing agent that destroys the protective oxide layer on the metal. Chromium metal treated in this way readily dissolves in weak acids.

Sources
Chromium is the 21st most abundant element in Earth's crust with an average concentration of 100 ppm. Chromium compounds are found in the environment, due to erosion of chromium-containing rocks and can be distributed by volcanic eruptions. The concentrations range in soil is between 1 and 3000 mg/kg, in sea water 5 to 800 g/liter, and in rivers and lakes 26 g/liter to 5.2 mg/liter. Food sources of chromium include brewer's yeast, lean meats (especially processed meats), cheeses, pork kidney, whole-grain breads and cereals, molasses, spices, and some bran cereals. Brewer's yeast, particularly yeast grown in chromium-rich soil, is a rich dietary source of chromium, as are organ meats, mushroom, oatmeal, prunes, nuts, asparagus, and whole grains and cereals. Vegetables, fruits, and most refined and processed foods, except for processed meats, have low amounts of chromium.

Uses
Metallurgy The high speed tool steels contain between 3 and 5% chromium. Stainless steel, the main corrosion-proof metal alloy, is formed when chromium is added to iron in sufficient concentrations, usually above 11%. Dye and Pigment
The mineral crocoite (lead chromate PbCrO4) was used as a yellow pigment shortly after its discovery. After a synthesis method became available starting from the more abundant chromite, chrome yellow was, together with cadmium yellow, one of the most used yellow pigments. Wood preservative Because of their toxicity, chromium(VI) salts are used for the preservation of wood. For example, chromated copper arsenate (CCA) is used in timber treatment to protect wood from decay fungi, wood attacking insects, including termites, and marine borers. Catalysts Fe-Cr mixed oxides are employed as high-temperature catalysts for the water gas shift reaction. Copper chromite is a useful hydrogenation catalyst.

Clinical studies suggest that chromium supplements may be helpful for the following conditions: Diabetes Researchers have studied the effects of chromium supplements for type 2 diabetes for many years. While some clinical studies have found no benefit, other clinical studies have reported that chromium supplements may reduce blood sugar levels as well as the amount of insulin people with diabetes need. Weight loss of Obesity Chromium is often advertised as a weight-loss aid and a way to improve lean muscle and reduce body fat. Studies have been mixed, with some finding that chromium may help people lose weight and build muscle, and others finding that it had no effect. Strength Training Chromium is popular with some body builders and can be found in some sports nutrition supplements. But there is not much evidence that chromium helps people gain strength or build muscle mass. Most studies have been negative.

Compounds
Chromium is a member of the transition metals, in group 6. Chromium(0) has an electronic configuration of 4s13d5, owing to the lower energy of the high spin configuration. Chromium exhibits a wide range of possible oxidation states, where the +3 state is most stable energetically; the +3 and +6 states are most commonly observed in chromium compounds, whereas the +1, +4 and +5 states are rare.[17]

 Oxidation states 2 Na2[Cr(CO)5] 1 Na2[Cr2(CO)10] 0 Cr(C6H6)2 +1 K3[Cr(CN)5NO] +2 CrCl2

+3 CrCl3 +4 K2CrF6 +5 K3CrO8 +6 K2CrO4

production
For the production of pure chromium, the iron has to be separated from the chromium in a two step roasting and leaching process. The chromite ore is heated with a mixture of calcium carbonate and sodium carbonate in the presence of air. The chromium is oxidized to the hexavalent form, while the iron forms the stable Fe2O3. The subsequent leaching at higher elevated temperatures dissolves the chromates and leaves the insoluble iron oxide. The chromate is converted by sulfuric acid into the dichromate.[27] 4 FeCr2O4 + 8 Na2CO3 + 7 O2 8 Na2CrO4 + 2 Fe2O3 + 8 CO2 2 Na2CrO4 + H2SO4 Na2Cr2O7 + Na2SO4 + H2O

 The dichromate is converted to the chromium(III) oxide by reduction with carbon and then reduced in an aluminothermic reaction to chromium.[27] Na2Cr2O7 + 2 C Cr2O3 + Na2CO3 + CO Cr2O3 + 2 Al Al2O3 + 2 Cr

 Heart Health
Animal studies suggest that chromium may help lower blood pressure. But so far it has not been tested in people, so researchers don' t know if it would work.

Other Uses
One small study found that chromium picolinate improved symptoms of depression in people with atypical depression. But a larger study found that chromium didn' t help. More research is needed.