Copper chromite
[CAS# 12053-18-8]

Identification

• Classification: Food additive >> Nutrition supplements >> Inorganic salts
• Name: Copper chromite
• Synonyms: Ketocopper; Keto-(Ketochromiooxy)Chromium; 209325_Aldrich; Copper Chromite Catalyst
• Molecular Formula: Cr₂Cu₂O₅
• Molecular Weight: 311.08
• CAS Registry Number: 12053-18-8
• EC Number: 235-000-1
• SMILES: O=[Cr]O[Cr]=O.O=[Cu].O=[Cu]

Safety Data

• Hazard Symbols: GHS03;GHS07 Danger
• Risk Statements: H272-H319-H335
• Safety Statements: P210-P220-P261-P264+P265-P271-P280-P304+P340-P305+P351+P338-P319-P337+P317-P370+P378-P403+P233-P405-P501

Hazard Classification

Hazard	Class	Category Code	Hazard Statement
Oxidising solids	Ox. Sol.	2	H272
Specific target organ toxicity - single exposure	STOT SE	3	H335
Eye irritation	Eye Irrit.	2	H319

Discovery and Applications

Copper chromite is an inorganic compound with the general formula Cu₂Cr₂O₅ or CuCr₂O₄, depending on the specific stoichiometry. It is a black, crystalline solid that is primarily known for its role as a catalyst in various chemical reactions. The compound is typically synthesized through the thermal decomposition of copper and chromium salts, such as copper nitrate and ammonium dichromate, at high temperatures. The resulting product is a mixed-metal oxide with unique catalytic properties.

The use of copper chromite as a catalyst can be traced back to the early 20th century when researchers began exploring metal oxides for hydrogenation and dehydrogenation reactions. Its catalytic activity arises from the presence of both copper and chromium in the oxide lattice, which facilitates redox reactions and enhances the efficiency of chemical transformations.

One of the most well-established applications of copper chromite is in hydrogenation reactions. It is widely used as a catalyst in the hydrogenation of organic compounds, including the reduction of esters, carboxylic acids, and nitro compounds to their corresponding alcohols or amines. This property makes it valuable in the production of fine chemicals, pharmaceuticals, and specialty materials.

In the chemical industry, copper chromite is also employed as a catalyst for the decomposition of hydrogen peroxide and in the oxidation of hydrocarbons. Its ability to facilitate these reactions has made it useful in processes such as fuel combustion and exhaust gas treatment. Additionally, copper chromite has been used in the synthesis of methanol and other alcohols from syngas (a mixture of carbon monoxide and hydrogen), playing a crucial role in industrial methanol production.

Copper chromite has applications in the aerospace and defense industries, where it is utilized as a burning rate modifier in solid rocket propellants. Its presence in propellant formulations helps regulate combustion rates and improve the performance of propulsion systems. This role has been particularly significant in military and space applications, where precise control over fuel combustion is required.

Beyond its use in catalysis and aerospace applications, copper chromite has been studied for its potential role in electronic and material sciences. Due to its thermal stability and electrical conductivity properties, it has been explored as a component in ceramic materials, coatings, and specialized conductive applications.

The handling and use of copper chromite require caution due to the presence of chromium, which can exist in multiple oxidation states, some of which are associated with environmental and health concerns. Regulatory guidelines govern the use and disposal of chromium-containing compounds to mitigate potential risks.

In summary, copper chromite is an important industrial catalyst with well-documented applications in hydrogenation, oxidation, and decomposition reactions. Its role in the production of fine chemicals, fuel processing, and rocket propulsion highlights its versatility and industrial significance. The compound continues to be studied for its catalytic efficiency and potential applications in emerging technologies.

References

2024. Calcination Temperature Impacting the Structure and Activity of CuAl Catalyst in Aqueous Glycerol Hydrogenolysis to 1,2-Propanediol. Topics in Catalysis, 67(19-20).
DOI: 10.1007/s11244-024-02032-5

2024. Effect of copper chromite on ammonium perchlorate decomposition-A TGA-FTIR-MS and FE-SEM study. Journal of Thermal Analysis and Calorimetry, 149(16).
DOI: 10.1007/s10973-024-13395-y

2024. High-Loaded Copper-Containing Catalysts for Furfural Hydroconversion. Catalysis in Industry, 16(2).
DOI: 10.1134/s2070050424700028