Chromium
Also known as Chrome, Chromium metal, Chrom
Key facts
What buyers check first
- Appearance
- Steel-gray, lustrous metal, body-centered cubic structure
- Melting point
- 1,907 °C
- Boiling point
- 2,642 °C
- Density
- 7.15 g/cm³
- Solubility
- Insoluble in water
- HS code
- 811221
- Category
- Metals, alloys and elements
- UN number
- UN 1759

What is Chromium?
Plain description, key identifiers and synonyms
Chromium atom is a chromium group element atom that has atomic number 24. It has a role as a micronutrient. It is a chromium group element atom and a metal allergen.
Chromium is a chemical element with symbol Cr and atomic number 24.
Identifiers
Registry numbers, names and line notations, tap to copy
- IUPAC name
- chromium
- CAS number
- 7440-47-3 CAS number cross-checkedOther or deprecated CAS: 16065-83-1, 19498-56-7
- EC number
- 231-157-5
- Molecular formula
- Cr
- UNII
- 0R0008Q3JB
- MDL number
- MFCD00010944
- INCI name
- CHROMIUM
- InChIKey
- VYZAMTAEIAYCRO-UHFFFAOYSA-N
- InChI
- InChI=1S/Cr
- SMILES (canonical and isomeric)
- [Cr]
Synonyms
- Chrome
- Chromium metal
- Chrom
- Chromium, elemental
- Dinakrome
- BioChrome
- Dietary Chromium
- Chromium Metallicum
- lambda6-chromium(6+) ion
- Cr
- chromium atom
- chromide(1-)
- Chromium ion
- Chromium powder, APS <10 micron
- cromo
- Chromium Hollow Cathode Lamp: 1.5" Diameter, 2-pin, Non-Coded
- Chromium Hollow Cathode Lamp: 2.0" Diameter, 4-pin, Cableless
- Chromium Hollow Cathode Lamp: 2.0" Diameter, 9-pin, Non-Coded
- Chromium, metal
- Metallic chromium
- Sulfur-Free Chromium Concentrate: Cr @ approx. 3.5 wt% in Hydrocarbons
- Chromium element
- Chromium Standard: Cr @ 10 microg/mL in 2% HNO3
- Chromium Standard: Cr @ 1000 microg/mL in 5% HCl
- Chromium Standard: Cr @ 10000 microg/mL in 5% HCl
Show all 36 synonymsShow fewer synonyms
- Chromium AA Standard: Cr @ 1000 microg/mL in 5% HCl
- Chromium Standard: Cr @ 1000 microg/mL in 5% HNO3
- Chromium Standard: Cr @ 10000 microg/mL in 5% HNO3
- Chromium Standard: Cr @ 1000 microg/g in Hydrocarbon Oil
- Chromium Standard: Cr @ 5000 microg/g in Hydrocarbon Oil
- chromic element
- chromium anion
- Chromium flakes
- Chromium powder
- Chromium chips
- Atomic Chromium
Physical and chemical properties
Measured values and descriptors computed from the structure
Physical and chemical properties
Measured values, check the supplier specification for your grade
| Appearance | Steel-gray, lustrous metal, body-centered cubic structureexp.Measured value |
|---|---|
| Odour | Odorlessexp.Measured value |
| Melting point | 1,907 °Cexp.Measured value |
| Boiling point | 2,642 °Cexp.Measured value |
| Density | 7.15 g/cm³exp.Measured value |
| Solubility | Insoluble in waterexp.Measured value |
| Vapour pressure | 1 Pa at 1383 °C (sublimes)exp.Measured value |
Values vary by grade. Ask suppliers for the COA or TDS of the batch you buy.
Computed descriptors
Calculated from the structure, useful for screening and formulation
| Molecular weight | 52.00 g/molcalc.Computed value |
|---|---|
| Exact mass | 51.9405 Dacalc.Computed value |
| LogP (octanol/water) | 0calc.Computed value |
| Topological polar surface area | 0 Ųcalc.Computed value |
| Hydrogen bond donors | 0calc.Computed value |
| Hydrogen bond acceptors | 0calc.Computed value |
| Rotatable bonds | 0calc.Computed value |
| Heavy atoms | 1calc.Computed value |
| Rings | 0calc.Computed value |
| Aromatic rings | 0calc.Computed value |
| Fraction sp3 carbons | 0calc.Computed value |
| Formal charge | 0calc.Computed value |
| Stereocentres | 0calc.Computed value |
Calculated for screening. Confirm critical figures with the supplier.
Safety and hazards
GHS classification summary, not a safety data sheet
Hazard statements
- H317May cause an allergic skin reaction.
- H319Causes serious eye irritation.
- H334May cause allergy or asthma symptoms or breathing difficulties if inhaled.
Precautionary statements (18)
- P233Keep container tightly closed.
- P260Do not breathe dust, fume, gas, mist, vapours or spray.
- P261Avoid breathing dust, fume, gas, mist, vapours or spray.
- P264 + P265Wash skin thoroughly after handling. Do not touch eyes.
- P271Use only outdoors or in a well-ventilated area.
- P272Contaminated work clothing should not be allowed out of the workplace.
- P280Wear protective gloves, protective clothing, eye protection and face protection.
- P284In case of inadequate ventilation wear respiratory protection.
- P302 + P352If on skin: Wash with plenty of water.
- P304 + P340If inhaled: Remove person to fresh air and keep comfortable for breathing.
- P305 + P351 + P338If in eyes: Rinse cautiously with water for several minutes. Remove contact lenses, if present and easy to do. Continue rinsing.
- P321Specific treatment (see supplemental first aid instructions on the label).
- P333 + P317If skin irritation or rash occurs: Get medical help.
- P337 + P317If eye irritation persists: Get medical help.
- P342 + P316If experiencing respiratory symptoms: Get emergency medical help immediately.
- P362 + P364Take off contaminated clothing. And wash it before reuse.
- P403Store in a well-ventilated place.
- P501Dispose of contents and container in accordance with local regulations.
- UN number
- UN 1759
GHS classification summary, not a safety data sheet (SDS). Classifications can differ by supplier, grade and concentration. Always check the supplier's SDS.
Full safety data and first aidChromium suppliers
Sponsored listings first, then the documented ranking: membership, verification, replies, completeness, freshness and ratings
- United States, TucsonUnclaimed profileChromiumGrade, purity and minimum order on requestPrice on request
- India ManufacturerUnclaimed profileChromium MetalGrade, purity and minimum order on requestPrice on request
- Price on request
- China ManufacturerUnclaimed profileChromium MetalGrade, purity and minimum order on requestPrice on request
- India, DharuheraUnclaimed profileChromiumGrade, purity and minimum order on requestPrice on request
- India ManufacturerUnclaimed profileChromium MetalGrade, purity and minimum order on requestPrice on request
- India, Kolkata ManufacturerUnclaimed profileChromiumGrade, purity and minimum order on requestPrice on request
- France, Saint-Thibault-des-VignesUnclaimed profileChromeGrade, purity and minimum order on requestPrice on request
- India, ChennaiUnclaimed profileChromiumGrade, purity and minimum order on requestPrice on request
- Price on request
Suppliers marked Unclaimed profile have not claimed their profile yet. They are not verified by CompoundList, their offers are price on request and details may have changed, so please confirm them with the supplier. Company representatives can claim a profile with a business email on the company's own website domain. Our team verifies each claim and sends the result by email.
Where suppliers are based
81 suppliers in 12 countries
- United States37
- China15
- India11
- Germany5
- Spain3
- United Kingdom2
- and 6 more countries
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Chromium price
Indicative price range per kg from live supplier offers
Suppliers quote this chemical on request. Send one free request and compare quotes side by side.
Uses and applications
What the substance is used for, by industry and function
In maufacturing of chrome-steel or chrome-nickel-steel alloys (stainless steel), nonferrous alloys, heat resistant bricks for refractory furnaces. To greatly increase strength, hardness and resistance of metals to abrasion, corrosion and oxidation. For chrome plating of other metals, leather tanning, as pigment and mordant, wood preservative.
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Use of (51)Cr as diagnostic aid.
Alloying and plating element on metal and plastic substrates for corrosion resistance, chromium-containing and stainless steels, protective coating for automotive and equipment accessories, nuclear and high temperature research, constituent of inorganic pigments.
Cobalt-chromium stellite alloys (extrusion dies/turbine blades/valve seats), cobalt-chromium tungsten alloys (cemented carbide cutting tools), nickel chromium alloys (jet engine parts, electrical heating elements).
Forms heat-treatable copper alloys.
The metal chromium is used mainly for making steel and other alloys.
Industrial uses: Intermediate, Filler, Chemical reaction regulator, Other, Alloys, Anti-adhesive/cohesive.
Consumer uses: Chemical reaction regulator, Alloys, Other, Pigment, Filler, Other (specify).
Use classes: Inorganic substances.
Industries and functions
Cosmetic ingredient, INCI name CHROMIUM(colorant)
Pharmacological actions
- Trace Elements
Roles
- food component
- micronutrient
- nutrient
- physiological role
Functional uses
- Alloying element
- Antioxidant
- Dye
- Pigment
Cosmetic functions
- Colorant
Pharmacology
Chromium is a Standardized Chemical Allergen. The physiologic effect of chromium is by means of Increased Histamine Release and Cell-mediated Immunity.
How it is made
Chromium metal is commercially produced in the United States by the reduction of chromite ore with carbon, aluminum, or silicon, and subsequent purification.
Chromium is extracted from its ores by alkaline or acidic dissolution. In alkali dissolution, finely ground chrome ore is roasted with Na2CO3 under oxidizing conditions at ca. 1100 °C. The sodium chromate is leached from the calcine, most of the gangue is insoluble. The solution containing hexavalent Cr can be reduced with SO2 and used for electrowinning, or Na2Cr2O7 can be crystallized from it.
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The Na2Cr2O7 can be converted to CrO3 for use in electrolysis or to Cr2O3 for use in metallothermics. Chrome ore can be dissolved in acid if an oxidizing agent is present. However, Fe, Al, and Mg also dissolve and must be removed. The preferred acidic dissolution technique is to reduce the ore with carbon, forming ferrochromium, which is ground and dissolved in sulfuric acid. The only significant impurity carried over is Fe, which is removed by crystallization as iron(II) ammonium sulfate. The Cr in the solution is in the +3 valence state and with additional purification is used to produce electrolytic Cr.
Chromium metal is produced by the reduction of Cr2O3 or the electrolysis of Cr(III) solutions. The metal can also be obtained from Cr(VI) solutions by electrolysis, but the process is less efficient and is used primarily for plating.
Regulatory status
Inventories, regulations and trade controls that list this substance
Health and food
- EU cosmetic ingredient inventory
- EU Cosmetics Regulation Annex II, prohibited in cosmeticsName: Chromium, chromic acid and its salts, Ref no: 97, Annex ref: II/97
- Active ingredient in FDA approved drug labels
United States
- TSCA inventory (USA)Status: Active in US commerce
HS code and trade data
Customs classification and reported world trade statistics
Global trade
World import and export statistics for the HS code Chromium is traded under.
Unwrought chromium, powders
Our trade statistics cover HS chapters 25 to 40 (minerals, chemicals, plastics and rubber). This code is in chapter 81, metals, which is not included yet.
The HS code shown for Chromium is indicative (it is known at chapter level only). Confirm the classification with your customs broker before shipping.
Frequently asked questions
Quick answers about Chromium, based on the data on this page
What is Chromium?
What is the CAS number of Chromium?
What is the molecular formula and weight of Chromium?
What is Chromium used for?
Is Chromium hazardous?
What is the HS code of Chromium?
Where can I buy Chromium?
Where can I buy Chromium in India?
What is the price of Chromium?
Guides for buyers
Practical guides that help when you source, ship or handle Chromium
- Guide, SafetyHow to read a safety data sheet in 10 minutesA section by section method to pull the essentials out of any 16 section SDS: identity, hazards, composition, storage, PPE, properties, transport and emergency measures.Read
- Guide, Trade and logisticsShipping dangerous goods: UN numbers, classes and packing groupsHow the UN dangerous goods system works for chemicals, from the nine classes and UN numbers to packing groups, UN packaging marks, labels, documents and segregation.Read
- Guide, SafetyGHS pictograms, signal words and hazard statements explainedA practical guide to the nine GHS pictograms, the signal words Danger and Warning, H and P statements, and how to read a chemical label in seconds.Read
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