Chromium hexacarbonyl
[CAS# 13007-92-6]

Identification

• Classification: Organic raw materials >> Organometallic compound >> Organic scandium, tantalum, thallium, tungsten, antimony, lanthanum, lead, vanadium, molybdenum, chromium, ytterbium, etc.
• Name: Chromium hexacarbonyl
• Synonyms: carbon monoxide chromium
• Molecular Formula: C₆CrO₆
• Molecular Weight: 220.06
• CAS Registry Number: 13007-92-6
• EC Number: 235-852-4
• SMILES: [C-]#[O+].[C-]#[O+].[C-]#[O+].[C-]#[O+].[C-]#[O+].[C-]#[O+].[Cr]

Properties

• Density: 1.77
• Melting point: 150 °C
• Boiling point: 220 °C
• Water solubility: insoluble

Safety Data

• Hazard Symbols: GHS06;GHS07;GHS08;GHS09 Danger
• Risk Statements: H301-H317-H350i-H400-H410
• Safety Statements: P203-P261-P264-P270-P272-P273-P280-P301+P316-P302+P352-P318-P321-P330-P333+P317-P362+P364-P391-P405-P501

Hazard Classification

Hazard	Class	Category Code	Hazard Statement
Acute toxicity	Acute Tox.	3	H301
Acute hazardous to the aquatic environment	Aquatic Acute	1	H400
Chronic hazardous to the aquatic environment	Aquatic Chronic	1	H410
Skin sensitization	Skin Sens.	1	H317
Carcinogenicity	Carc.	1B	H350i
Carcinogenicity	Carc.	1B	H350
Acute toxicity	Acute Tox.	4	H312
Acute toxicity	Acute Tox.	4	H302
Acute toxicity	Acute Tox.	4	H332
Carcinogenicity	Carc.	1A	H350

• Transport Information: UN 3466

Discovery and Applications

Chromium hexacarbonyl, with the chemical formula Cr(CO)₆, is a notable organometallic compound characterized by its unique structure and versatile applications. This compound has played a significant role in advancing the field of organometallic chemistry and has several important uses in industrial and research applications.

The discovery of chromium hexacarbonyl dates back to the early 20th century when researchers were exploring the chemistry of transition metals and their carbonyl complexes. The synthesis of Cr(CO)₆ involves reacting chromium with carbon monoxide under specific conditions to form a stable complex. The compound's structure is noteworthy for its octahedral geometry, where the chromium atom is centrally located and coordinated by six carbon monoxide ligands. This arrangement provides valuable insights into the bonding and electronic properties of metal-carbonyl complexes.

One of the primary applications of chromium hexacarbonyl is in catalysis. The compound is used as a catalyst in various chemical reactions, including organic synthesis and industrial processes. In particular, chromium hexacarbonyl is employed in the carbonylation of organic substrates, where it facilitates the introduction of carbonyl groups into organic molecules. This reaction is essential for the production of various chemicals and intermediates used in pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals, and other industrial products.

In addition to its role in carbonylation, chromium hexacarbonyl is utilized in the preparation of chromium-based catalysts and materials. The compound's ability to form stable complexes with other ligands makes it valuable in designing new catalytic systems with specific properties. For example, it can be used to synthesize chromium-containing materials such as thin films and nanoparticles, which have potential applications in electronics, magnetic materials, and coatings.

Chromium hexacarbonyl also serves as a model compound for studying metal-carbonyl interactions and bonding. Its well-defined structure provides insights into the electronic and geometric effects of carbonyl ligands on transition metals. Researchers use Cr(CO)₆ to investigate the nature of metal-carbonyl bonding and to explore the reactivity and properties of similar complexes.

The handling of chromium hexacarbonyl requires careful attention due to the toxicity of carbon monoxide. The compound should be used in well-ventilated areas with appropriate safety measures to prevent exposure to toxic fumes. Proper storage and handling procedures are essential to ensure safe use in laboratory and industrial settings.

Ongoing research continues to explore new applications and optimize the properties of chromium hexacarbonyl. Advances in organometallic chemistry and materials science are leading to the development of novel catalysts and materials based on this compound, with potential implications for various industrial and technological applications.

In summary, chromium hexacarbonyl is an important organometallic compound with significant applications in catalysis, materials science, and the study of metal-carbonyl interactions. Its discovery and development have contributed to the field of chemistry, and continued research holds promise for discovering further uses and improvements.

References

2020. Binuclear Palladium Complex Immobilized on Mesoporous SBA-16: Efficient Heterogeneous Catalyst for the Carbonylative Suzuki Coupling Reaction of Aryl Iodides and Arylboronic Acids Using Cr(CO)6 as Carbonyl Source. Catalysis Letters, 150(5).
DOI: 10.1007/s10562-019-03087-w

2022. Dissociative Ligand Field-Based Photochemistry in Organometallic Compounds. Springer Handbook of Inorganic Photochemistry.
DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-63713-2_18

2024. Ni/rGO: An Efficient Heterogeneous Catalytic System for Carbonylative Suzuki Coupling and Alkoxy Carbonylation Reactions with Co2(CO)8 as a Solid C1 Source. Catalysis Letters, 154(11).
DOI: 10.1007/s10562-024-04867-9