Sodium dichromate dihydrate can react with reducing agents to generate heat and products that may be gaseous (causing pressurization of closed containers). The products may themselves be capable of further reactions (such as combustion in the air). Reactions may be rapid but often requires initiation (heat, spark, catalyst, addition of a solvent).
Sodium dichromate appears as a red or red-orange crystalline solid. May be strongly irritating to skin, eyes and mucous membranes. Used as a corrosion inhibitor, and in the manufacture of other chemicals.
Sodium dichromate is highly corrosive in nature and is a strong oxidizing agent. This substance is usually used to produce other chromium compounds but is also used for drilling muds, metal treatments, wood preservatives, production of dyes and organic chemicals, and as a corrosion inhibitor.