Di-tert-butyl chromate is an alkoxide with the formula CrO<sub>2</sub>(OC(CH<sub>3</sub>)<sub>3</sub>)<sub>2</sub>. It forms red crystals at temperatures below âÂÂ5 ðC, above which it melts to give a red oil. The complex, which is diamagnetic, is of fundamental interest as a model for the intermediates in oxidations of alcohols by chromium(VI). This ester is stable because tertiary alcohols such as tert-butyl alcohol lack alpha hydrogens, stopping the E<sub>2</sub> elimination required for the oxidation of chromate esters. This complex and its analogues have tetrahedral geometry at chromium, as established by X-ray crystallography of its analogues.
It can be prepared from tert-butyl alcohol and chromium trioxide or chromyl chloride.
It is used as a precursor to chromium-based catalysts, such as the Phillips catalyst, which are employed for the polymerization of ethylene.
Like other forms of hexavalent chromium, di-tert-butyl chromate is classified as a potential carcinogen by the United States National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health.