Ammonium dichromate is a chemical compound that is commonly used in various industries. It is also known as ammonium bichromate, and it has several properties that make it useful in different applications. In this article, we will explore the definition and meaning of ammonium dichromate, its origin, synonyms, antonyms, and associations.
Definitions
Ammonium dichromate is a bright orange-red crystalline compound with the chemical formula (NH4)2Cr2O7. It is an oxidizing agent and can cause severe skin and eye irritation. It is also highly flammable and can be explosive under certain conditions.
Origin
Ammonium dichromate was first discovered in 1800 by Louis-Nicolas Vauquelin, a French chemist. He prepared it by mixing ammonium chloride and potassium dichromate in water. Since then, it has been used in various industries, including photography, pyrotechnics, and the manufacturing of dyes and pigments.
Meaning in different dictionaries
According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, ammonium dichromate is “a salt of chromic acid containing the anion Cr2O7(2-) and the cation NH4+.” The Oxford English Dictionary defines it as “a crystalline compound used as an oxidizing agent and in the manufacture of dyes and pigments.”
Associations
Ammonium dichromate is commonly associated with pyrotechnics and fireworks. It is used as a fuel, and when ignited, it produces a bright flash of light and a loud bang. It is also used in photography to produce high-contrast negatives and in the manufacturing of pigments and dyes.
Synonyms
Some synonyms of ammonium dichromate include ammonium bichromate, diammonium dichromate, and ammonium pyrochromate.
Antonyms
There are no direct antonyms of ammonium dichromate. However, some compounds that have opposite properties include reducing agents such as sodium borohydride and potassium iodide.
The same root words
Ammonium dichromate contains the root words “ammonium” and “dichromate.” Ammonium is a positively charged ion that is commonly found in organic compounds, while dichromate is a negatively charged ion that contains two chromium atoms.
Example Sentences
- Ammonium dichromate is commonly used in pyrotechnics to produce bright flashes of light and loud bangs.
- The manufacturing of dyes and pigments often involves the use of ammonium dichromate.
- Ammonium dichromate is an oxidizing agent that can cause severe skin and eye irritation.
- The chemical formula for ammonium dichromate is (NH4)2Cr2O7.
- Louis-Nicolas Vauquelin discovered ammonium dichromate in 1800 by mixing ammonium chloride and potassium dichromate.