chromic chloride: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Very LowTechnical/Scientific
Quick answer
What does “chromic chloride” mean?
A chemical compound consisting of chromium and chlorine, specifically chromium(III) chloride (CrCl₃).
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A chemical compound consisting of chromium and chlorine, specifically chromium(III) chloride (CrCl₃).
A green or violet crystalline solid used as a catalyst, in chromium plating, and as a precursor to other chromium compounds. In its hexahydrate form, it is sometimes used in textile dyeing and as a mordant.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical or spelling differences. Pronunciation may vary slightly.
Connotations
Purely technical term with identical connotations in both varieties.
Frequency
Equally rare and specialised in both UK and US English, confined to chemical and industrial contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “chromic chloride” in a Sentence
[substance] is treated with chromic chloridechromic chloride is used as a [catalyst/mordant]the preparation of chromic chloride involves...Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “chromic chloride” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The chromic chloride catalyst was highly effective.
- A chromic chloride precursor is essential.
American English
- The chromic chloride solution turned violet.
- Chromic chloride compounds are often hygroscopic.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, might appear in procurement or safety data sheets for chemical suppliers.
Academic
Primary context. Used in chemistry, materials science, and chemical engineering research papers and textbooks.
Everyday
Virtually never used.
Technical
Standard term in chemical synthesis, industrial catalysis, and electroplating manuals.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “chromic chloride”
Neutral
Weak
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “chromic chloride”
- Misspelling as 'chronic chloride'.
- Using 'chromium chloride' ambiguously without specifying the oxidation state.
- Pronouncing 'chromic' with a hard /k/ sound at the beginning (like 'chrome') instead of /kr/.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, it can be corrosive and toxic. It requires proper handling with personal protective equipment as it may cause skin and respiratory irritation.
'Chromic chloride' specifically denotes chromium(III) chloride (CrCl₃). 'Chromium chloride' is a more ambiguous term that could refer to compounds with chromium in different oxidation states, such as chromium(II) chloride (CrCl₂).
Anhydrous chromic chloride is a violet crystalline solid. The more common hexahydrate form (CrCl₃·6H₂O) is dark green.
Its main uses are as a catalyst in organic synthesis (e.g., Friedel-Crafts reactions), as a precursor for other chromium compounds, in chromium electroplating, and historically as a mordant in dyeing.
A chemical compound consisting of chromium and chlorine, specifically chromium(III) chloride (CrCl₃).
Chromic chloride is usually technical/scientific in register.
Chromic chloride: in British English it is pronounced /ˌkrəʊmɪk ˈklɔːraɪd/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌkroʊmɪk ˈklɔːraɪd/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'CHROMium' makes things colourful, 'CHLORide' comes from chlorine. Chromic chloride is a specific compound where chromium (in its +3 'chromic' state) bonds with chlorine.
Conceptual Metaphor
N/A (Highly technical term not typically subject to metaphorical use.)
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary chemical composition of chromic chloride?