Cr(VI) to green for Cr(III). The color change, a colorimetric test, exhibited can be used as a test to distinguish aldehydes from ketones. Aldehydes are oxidized further, whereas ketones resist oxidation by dichromate salts.

Sodium dichromate oxidizes benzylic and allylic C-H bonds to carbonyl derivatives. this compound For example, 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene