Chromium nitrate

Chromium nitrate, specifically chromium(III) nitrate, has the chemical formula Cr(NO₃)₃ for the anhydrous form and commonly exists as the nonahydrate Cr(H₂O)₆₃·3H₂O. It appears as blue-violet or purple crystalline solids, odorless, with a density of about 1.85 g/cm³, molar mass of 238.01 g/mol (anhydrous) or 400.21 g/mol (nonahydrate), melting point around 60°C (nonahydrate), and decomposes above 100°C.​

Structurally, it features a central Cr³⁺ ion octahedrally coordinated by six water ligands in [Cr(H₂O)₆]³⁺ complexes, with nitrate anions and additional water molecules of crystallization occupying the lattice. It is highly soluble in water, forming acidic solutions, and acts as a strong oxidizing agent, reacting with reducers like zinc to displace chromium metal.​

Used as a catalyst precursor, in metal pickling, dyeing, and chrome tanning, it requires careful handling due to its irritant nature, potential to ignite organics, and chromium toxicity.​