Potassium dichromate is a bright orange-red crystalline inorganic compound and a powerful oxidizing agent. At 98% purity (practical grade), it is commonly used in laboratory analysis, chemical synthesis, pigments, metal finishing, corrosion inhibition, leather tanning, wood preservation, and photographic processes. It contains hexavalent chromium (Cr⁶⁺), which makes it highly reactive and hazardous.