Product Name: Aluminum Dichromate
Chemical Formula: Al2(Cr2O7)3
Synonyms: Aluminium Dichromate, Aluminum Chromate
CAS Number: 7789-00-6
Recommended Use: Laboratory reagent, chemical synthesis
Supplier: Chemical supply distributor, lab supplier or academic institution
Hazard Classification: Oxidizing solid (Category 2), Acute toxicity (oral, Category 3), Skin corrosion/irritation (Category 1B), Serious eye damage (Category 1), Carcinogenicity (Category 1B), Specific target organ toxicity (repeated exposure, Category 1)
Pictograms: Flame over circle, Skull and crossbones, Corrosion, Health hazard
Signal Word: Danger
Hazard Statements: Fatal if swallowed; Causes severe skin burns and eye damage; May cause cancer; Causes damage to organs through prolonged or repeated exposure; May intensify fire (oxidizer)
Precautionary Statements: Do not breathe dust/fume/gas/mist/vapors/spray; Wash hands thoroughly; Obtain special instructions before use; Keep away from heat and combustible materials; Use protective equipment; If exposed or concerned: Get medical advice/attention.
Substance: Aluminum Dichromate
Chemical Identity: Al2(Cr2O7)3
CAS Number: 7789-00-6
Concentration: 99-100%
Impurities: Can contain trace amounts of moisture or related oxides, negligible compared to main compound
Inhalation: Move person to fresh air quickly. Seek emergency medical attention for breathing difficulty. Remove contaminated clothing and loosen tight garments to assist breathing.
Skin Contact: Remove contaminated clothing. Flush affected skin with soap and plenty of water for at least 20 minutes. Immediate medical attention required for burns or continued irritation.
Eye Contact: Wash eyes with gentle stream of water for no less than 15 minutes. Remove contact lenses if present and easy to do. Contact medical professional or emergency center without delay.
Ingestion: Do not induce vomiting. Rinse mouth thoroughly with water without swallowing. Give victim water to dilute if conscious. Immediate medical attention required, bring label or container to facility.
Suitable Extinguishing Media: Use water spray, flooding or fog; never use dry chemicals, carbon dioxide, or foam on oxidizing solids.
Unsuitable Extinguishing Media: Do not use dry chemical agents or carbon dioxide.
Specific Hazards: The material behaves as a strong oxidizer, which may react with combustibles and enhance fire; toxic chromium oxide fumes can be released in a fire.
Protective Equipment: Firefighters need full-body, chemical-resistant suits and self-contained breathing apparatus. Stay upwind and avoid inhalation of decomposition products.
Fire and Explosion Hazards: Vigorous exothermic reactions with reducing agents; fire may initiate release of toxic chromium(VI) fumes.
Personal Precautions: Evacuate area, keep unnecessary people away. Ventilate area. Prevent dust generation and contact with skin or eyes. Wear full PPE including goggles, gloves, and respirator.
Environmental Precautions: Prevent spillage from entering sewers, drains, or surface water as aluminum dichromate is highly toxic to aquatic life; alert environmental authorities if contamination risk is present.
Clean-Up Methods: Collect spilled product using non-sparking, non-combustible tools; avoid dry sweeping—use wet mop or HEPA vacuum only. Immediately place in suitable, clearly labeled chemical waste container for disposal according to regulations.
Handling: Only experienced and properly trained personnel should handle the compound. Work in fume hood or ventilated area to reduce inhalation risk. Handle with care to prevent spills, formation of dangerous dust clouds; avoid all exposure to skin and eyes.
Storage: Store in tightly closed, corrosion-resistant containers in cool, dry, well-ventilated location. Keep away from incompatible materials, especially combustible organics, acids, strong reducing agents, and heat sources. Clearly label all containers, reserve shelves for oxidizers, and lock cabinets if practical.
Occupational Exposure Limits: OSHA PEL for Chromium(VI): 0.005 mg/m³ (8-hour TWA); ACGIH TLV: 0.05 mg/m³ for water-soluble chromates (as CrVI)
Engineering Controls: Local exhaust ventilation, fume hoods, closed systems for larger amounts. Regular air monitoring recommended for exposure control.
Personal Protection: Chemical splash goggles, face shield, impervious gloves (nitrile, neoprene), full lab coat or apron, dedicated chemical-resistant footwear. Respirator (NIOSH-approved) for dusty environments or inadequate ventilation.
Hygiene: Wash hands and face thoroughly after handling. Remove contaminated clothing before breaks or leaving work. Prohibit eating, drinking, and smoking near handling area. Launder clothing separately.
Appearance: Orange to reddish-brown crystalline powder
Odor: Odorless
pH (1% solution): Acidic, between 2 and 3
Melting Point / Freezing Point: Decomposes above 190°C
Boiling Point: Not applicable (decomposes before boiling)
Solubility in Water: Moderate to high
Vapor Pressure: Not measurable (solid at room temperature)
Density: 3.3 - 3.7 g/cm³
Other Properties: Strong oxidizer, reacts violently with organics, metals, reducing agents
Chemical Stability: Stable under recommended storage conditions.
Reactivity: Readily oxidizes combustible and reducing materials, initiates vigorous reactions with acids, organic solvents, and metals.
Conditions to Avoid: High humidity, heat, open flames, sparks, physical shocks, incompatible materials.
Incompatible Materials: Strong acids, reducing agents, organic substances, powdered metals.
Hazardous Decomposition Products: Chromium trioxide, chromium (VI) oxide, toxic aluminum oxides.
Polymerization: Will not occur.
Routes of Exposure: Ingestion, inhalation, skin and eye contact
Acute Toxicity: Highly toxic if swallowed—can cause gastrointestinal burns, multi-organ failure, potentially fatal within a short time span. Strong skin and eye irritant; can produce chemical burns. Inhalation can harm upper respiratory tract with symptoms including cough, sore throat, shortness of breath.
Chronic Toxicity: Prolonged exposure causes dermatitis, ulceration, nasal septum perforation, increased risk of cancer (notably lung, nasal, and sinus). Chromium(VI) compounds are confirmed human carcinogens.
Other Effects: Sensitization possible by skin contact. Can damage kidneys and nervous system over time.
Carcinogenicity: Classified as carcinogenic to humans (IARC Group 1, NTP known human carcinogen, OSHA regulated carcinogen).
Aquatic Toxicity: Extremely toxic to aquatic organisms, causes long-term adverse effects in aquatic environments.
Environmental Fate: Persists in soil and water, strong adsorbent qualities. Chromium(VI) ions are mobile and do not degrade easily—can migrate into groundwater and affect drinking water supplies.
Bioaccumulation: Evidence for bioaccumulation in aquatic species and systemic toxicity in mammals.
Persistence & Degradability: Not readily biodegradable, tends to persist and accumulate.
Other Harmful Effects: Risk of secondary poisoning via the food chain; spills can devastate local flora and fauna.
Disposal Methods: Treat as hazardous waste—do not dispose with regular trash, domestic sewage, or general waste streams. Contact licensed hazardous material handler or waste disposal company for proper procedures.
Regulatory Considerations: Comply with local, state, and federal hazardous waste disposal laws. RCRA lists chromium and chromate substances as hazardous waste.
Container Cleanup: Contaminated containers must be triply rinsed (under supervision) and disposed along with main chemical unless decontaminated according to strict protocols. Never attempt incineration without specialized equipment.
Environmental Precautions: Prevent leakage into sewage, soil, groundwater, or public waterways. Notify proper authorities in the case of environmental release.
UN Number: 3086
Proper Shipping Name: Oxidizing solid, toxic, n.o.s. (Aluminum Dichromate)
Transport Hazard Class: 5.1 (Oxidizing substance), 6.1 (Toxic substance)
Packing Group: I
Environmental Hazards: Marine pollutant, dangerous to aquatic life; subject to strict transport regulation.
Label Required: Oxidizer, Toxic, Environmental hazard symbol where applicable.
Special Precautions: Secure all containers upright and stable; protect from physical damage and accidental release; declare all hazard codes on shipping papers.
Emergency Guidelines: In the event of spill during transportation, isolate area and notify authorities immediately, evacuate as needed, and keep away from draining lines, open flame, and living water bodies.
Federal Regulations: Subject to OSHA workplace safety regulation as a carcinogen and hazardous substance; RCRA hazardous waste under code D007 (Chromium); CERCLA hazardous substance under code 313; TSCA inventory listed; SARA Title III reporting may apply.
State Regulations: Some states place additional restrictions or reporting requirements for distribution, handling, and disposal including special labeling.
International: Classified as dangerous good by IATA, IMDG, and DOT; restricted use in many countries due to carcinogenicity and aquatic toxicity concerns.
Labeling Requirements: Clearly state chemical hazards, GHS pictograms, emergency contact details, precautionary statements. Training must be provided to anyone working with or near the chemical.
Other Guidance: Consult local environmental, safety, and waste disposal regulations before import, use, or disposal.