zinc chromate

chemistry

Written by

The Information Architects of Encyclopaedia Britannica

Last updated

July 15, 2026

Quick Summary

Zinc chromate is a chemical compound that exists in two main forms: a yellow crystalline normal salt (ZnCrO₄) and various basic salts, notably a golden yellow pigment (4Zn(OH)₂·ZnCrO₄) used in corrosion-inhibiting priming coats. It is also referred to as zinc yellow. Zinc tetroxidechromate is specifically the basic salt 4Zn(OH)₂·ZnCrO₄.12

Zinc chromates are utilized as corrosion inhibitors and as bright yellow pigments. Zinc, the element, is a metal essential to life and widely used commercially. It is a component of many alloys and is crucial for galvanizing iron and steel to prevent corrosion.34

Summary created from Britannica articles using AI. AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.

4 Britannica Sources

Ask Britannica AI about this topic

Britannica doesn't have a full article on this topic, so we've curated a list of our relevant coverage.

chromium processing
Pigments
Zinc yellow, a basic zinc chromate, is used as a corrosion-inhibiting primer on aircraft parts fabricated from aluminum or magnesium. Molybdate orange is a combination of lead chromate with molybdenum salts. Chrome green is a mixture of lead chromate with iron blue. This pigment has excellent covering and hiding…
Read More
Zinc yellow, a basic zinc chromate, is used as a corrosion-inhibiting primer on aircraft parts fabricated from aluminum or magnesium. Molybdate orange is a combination of lead chromate with molybdenum salts. Chrome green is a mixture of lead chromate with iron blue. This pigment has excellent covering and hiding…
Read More