structure consists of an infinite network of linked polyhedra with a CrO6 octahedron and a PO4 tetrahedron sharing a common edge. The Cr3+ site form edge-sharing Cr(2)/Cr(2') pairs and share two corners with the four Cr(1) octahedra. Magnetic properties The magnetic properties of the β-CrPO4 are a result of the cation-cation distances along the octahedral chains which give rise to strong direct-exchange interactions and even metal-metal bonding. Neutron diffraction studies reveal that the spiral moments in β-CrPO4 are collinear and anti-ferromagnetically coupled along the chains in the 001 planes, at low temperature (5K, µeff = 2.55µB). Observations from a diffraction study has shown that at low temperature(2K), the α-CrPO4 octahedra CrO6 units build up an infinite, three-dimensional network expected to provide strong Cr-O-Cr magnetic superexchange linkages with exchange pathway through the phosphate group. These linkages give the structure its anti-ferromagnetic characteristic (Ɵ = -35.1 K, µeff = 3.50µB) which results in the anti-parallel magnetic spins in the plane that is perpendicular to the chains of the octahedral CrO6. Chemical properties Ion exchange At a high temperature and pH ranging from 283-383K and pH 4-7 respectively, equilibrated KOH/HCl solution, insoluble CrPO4 solid and aqueous cation solution yield a sorption reaction. Studies reveal that CrPO4 catalyzes the adsorption of divalent cations onto its amorphous surface through the cation exchange mechanism. The mechanism suggests that the H+ ions are liberated from the solid to aqueous phase as the cations become hydrolyzed and adsorb onto the catalyst surface. Thus, a decrease in the pH of the reaction is used as a direct indicator of the rate of adsorption in the reaction: A plot of the Kurbatov equation is used to relate the release of H+ ion to the equilibrium constant of the reaction: where Kd (l g-1) represents the distribution coefficient, and n is the slope of the straight line giving an indication of the H+/Mz+ stoichiometry of the exchange reaction. Under similar conditions, the selectivity of CrPO4 for dative cations follows the sequence: Pb2+ > Cu2+ > Ni2+ ≅ Cd2+. Increases in temperature and pH enhances the ion exchange reaction. Chromium(III) phosphate is also used to catalyze cation exchange in sorption reactions. This catalysis is widely used in the reduction of metal toxicity during environmental clean-ups. This has been applied in decreasing the concentration of lead in aquatic habitat and drinking water. Application Anti-corrosive coating Paints containing chromium(III) phosphate have been used as