corrosion resistant coating for metals. The paints consist of aqueous acidic chromium (III) phosphate solution which convert to a consistent film when applied onto metals heavily used in manufacturing and utility such as zinc, zinc alloy, aluminum and aluminum alloy substrates. Application methods include electroplating, immersing or spraying the solution on the surface of the substrate. Catalyst Chromium (III) phosphate has various applications in the polymer industry. Combined chromium(III) aluminum phosphate is widely used as a catalyst in the alkylation of aromatic hydrocarbons using alcohols such as the methylation of toluene using methanol. The alcohol is dehydrated into ether while the alkyl substituted product could be used as an intermediate in the manufacture of synthetic fibers such as poly(ethylene terephthalate). Polymer Pretreatment with chromium (III) phosphate-silicate is also used as a laminated structure to dampen vibration and noise in a motor. Toxicity Although chromium(III) phosphate is hardly soluble in water, overexposure to the compound from the environment, industrial location and abrasions from metal on metal implants could have harmful effects. The toxicity of chromium(III) phosphate depends on the duration of exposure, chromium(III) phosphate concentration, entry routes across a membrane barrier and release of trivalent chromium ion from the chromium(III) phosphate. Macrophage cells in the body exposed to chromium(III) phosphate engulf or phagocytize the compound into its endosomal and lysosomal environment which is acidic. This catalyzes a proteolytic reaction yielding a dose-dependent increase in chromium(III) ion release in the affected cells. The Cr3+ ions has toxic effects on the proteins of the cytosol and mitochondria by oxidatively modifying their chemical properties thus disenabling from performing their functions. Proteins with high metal affinity such as enolase, catalase enzymes and hemoglobin, ferritin molecular transporters are affected. This may ultimately lead to nephrotoxicity, reproductive and developmental toxicity due to tissue damage, necrosis and inflammation. Further reading See also Chromium(III) Chromium(IV) Aluminum phosphate Chromic acid Chrome alum Chromate Conversion Coating External links http://www.leadscope.com/structure_search_results.php?ss_string=LS-53442 References Chromium(III) compounds Phosphates