Potassium chlorochromate
Potassium chlorochromate is an inorganic compound with the formula KCrO3Cl. It is the potassium salt of chlorochromate, −. It is a water-soluble orange compound is used occasionally for oxidation of organic compounds. It is sometimes called Péligot's salt, in recognition of its discoverer Eugène-Melchior Péligot.Structure and synthesis
Potassium chlorochromate was originally prepared by treating potassium dichromate with hydrochloric acid. An improved route involves the reaction of chromyl chloride and potassium chromate:
The salt consists of the tetrahedral chlorochromate anion. The average Cr=O bond length is 159 pm, and the Cr-Cl distance is 219 pm.Reactions
Although air-stable, its aqueous solutions undergo hydrolysis. With concentrated hydrochloric acid, it converts to chromyl chloride. When treated with 18-crown-6, it forms the lipophilic salt CrO3Cl.
Peligot's salt can oxidize benzyl alcohol, a reaction which can be catalyzed by acid. A related salt, pyridinium chlorochromate, is more commonly used for this reaction.Safety
Potassium chlorochromate can be toxic upon ingestion or contact with the human skin, especially if inhalated.
