Ammonium dichromate

Ammonium dichromate is a strong oxidizing agent and is reactive with any reducing agent. The stronger the reducing agent, the more violent the reaction. Ammonium dichromate has been used to promote the oxidation of alcohols and thiols. Has been reported for use in evaluation of the oxidant and antioxidant capacity of various biological samples and known antioxidants. Ammonium dichromate, in the presence of Mg(HSO4)2 and wet SiO2 can act as a very efficient reagent for the oxidative coupling of thiols under solvent free conditions. The reactions produces reasonably good yields under relatively mild conditions. Has been used in the oxidation of aliphatic alcohols to their corresponding aldehydes and ketones in ZrCl4/wet SiO2 in solvent free conditions, again with relatively high yields. Ammonium dichromate is sometimes known as Vesuvian Fire, because of its use in demonstrations of tabletop "volcanoes".