Search
chromium [Cr]
From the Greek chroma meaning color. Discovered in 1780 by Nicolas Louis Vauquelin
Occurrence:
1) found naturally only in combination
2) isolated mostly from chromite ore
Characteristics:
1) a blue-white hard, brittle metallic element
2) resists oxidation in air
3) chromium impurities in precious stone often responsible for colors
Uses:
1) trace element for humans
-> plays a role in glucose metabolism
2) esp in alloys & electroplating
-> up to 18% of stainless steel
3) oxides used as pigments for tanning leather & for recording tape
Pathology:
- chromium is a potent contact sensitizer & may cause allergic contact dermatitis
- individuals at risk:
a) cement workers
b) metal alloy workers
c) leather tanners
d) electroplaters
- see chromium toxicity
Laboratory:
- see chromium toxicity
Notes:
Other sources of chromium:
1) metal watchbands
2) dental appliances
3) tanned leather shoes
Related
chromium deficiency
Cr+2
Cr+3 (trivalent chromium)
periodic table
Specific
chromium-51
General
trace element
metal
Properties
SIZE: AW = 51.996
atomic number
VALUE: 24
VALENCE: AR 3D5 4S1
Database Correlations
PUBCHEM cid=23976
References
- Webster's Ninth New Collegiate Dictionary, Miriam-
Webster Inc. Springfield, MA 1990
- Medical Knowledge Self Assessment Program (MKSAP) 11, American
College of Physicians, Philadelphia 1998
Component-of
biotin/chromium/chromium picolinate
chromium/chromium picolinate/pyridoxine