Potassium dichromate

Potassium dichromate is a salt made up of 2 chromium, 2 potassium and 7 oxygen atoms with the molecular formula K₂Cr₂O_7.

It is a strong oxidiser and thus makes it very useful within industry, another desirable feature is the orange colour of its crystals allowing it to be used in dyeing and tanning leather. It is soluble in water also.

Another more recent use is as an antiseptic within medicine, however if it is ingested it becomes poisonous and corrosive. It can cause ulcerations within the gastrointestinal and respiratory tract, leading to shortness of breath and other related symptoms