What is a common use of potassium dichromate solutions in spectrophotometry?

Potassium dichromate solutions are indeed commonly used in spectrophotometry primarily for the purpose of calibrating the wavelength accuracy of spectrophotometric instruments. This compound absorbs light at specific wavelengths, making it useful as a reference standard. By measuring the absorbance of potassium dichromate at these known wavelengths, laboratories can ensure that their instruments provide accurate readings across the spectrum.

Each specific absorbance peak of potassium dichromate corresponds to a known wavelength, which allows for precise calibration of the instrument's wavelength settings. This ensures that any measurements taken during analyses are accurate and reliable, as they are based on a well-characterized reference.

Utilizing potassium dichromate for this purpose helps to maintain high-quality results in quantitative analyses, ensuring that the spectrophotometer is properly tuned and capable of delivering consistent data.