Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 1, 2026

From Molecules to Materials: Engineering New Ionic Liquid Crystals Through Halogen Bonding
Published on: March 24, 2018
Speciation, physical and electrolytic properties of eutectic mixtures based on CrCl₃·6H₂O and urea
Andrew P Abbott1, Azeez A Al-Barzinjy, Paul D Abbott
1Chemistry Department, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK LE1 7RH. Andrew.abbott@le.ac.uk.
Abstract:
The electrodeposition of chromium is a technologically vital process, which is principally carried out using aqueous chromic acid. In the current study, it is shown that eutectic mixtures of urea and hydrated chromium(III) chloride provide a liquid which reduces the toxicological issues associated with the current aqueous Cr(VI) electroplating solution. Using EXAFS, mass spectrometry and UV-Vis spectroscopy, it is shown that chromium is present predominantly as a cationic species. Conductivities are higher than for most comparable ionic liquids. It is shown that the electrodeposition of chromium is electrochemically reversible, with a current efficiency much higher than in aqueous electrolytes. Surface tension and density measurements indicate that hole theory is a valid model to describe transport properties in these liquids. Bulk Cr deposits are not macrocrystalline but they are generally crack-free. The deposits have a hardness of 600 ± 10 Vickers and, as such, are comparable to deposits from aqueous systems.
Related Concept Videos
Solid–Solid Solutions
Recrystallization: Solid–Solution Equilibria
Precipitation Processes
Precipitation of Ions
The equation that describes the equilibrium between solid calcium carbonate and its solvated ions is:
Ideal Solutions or Mixtures
Phase Diagrams of Ternary Systems

