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Chapter 15: Problem 106

The three common chromium oxides are \(\mathrm{CrO}\), \(\mathrm{Cr}_{2} \mathrm{O}_{3},\) and \(\mathrm{CrO}_{3} .\) If \(\mathrm{Cr}_{2} \mathrm{O}_{3}\) is amphoteric, what can you say about the acid-base properties of \(\mathrm{CrO}\) and \(\mathrm{CrO}_{3} ?\)

Short Answer

Expert verified
CrO, an oxide with a lower oxidation state, is likely to exhibit basic properties, while CrO3, an oxide with a higher oxidation state, is likely to exhibit acidic properties.

Step by step solution

01

Understanding Acid, Base and Amphoteric Substances

Acids are substances that donate protons or H+ ions. Bases are substances that accept protons or H+ ions. An amphoteric substance is a substance that can act as both an acid and a base. Cr2O3 (chromium(III) oxide) is an example of an amphoteric substance.
02

Decoding Acid-Base Properties Based on Oxidation States

In general, metal oxides of higher oxidation states tend to be acidic while those of lower oxidation states tend to be basic. In the middle, we tend to have amphoteric behaviour. Cr2O3 is a chromium oxide with a medium oxidation state, hence it is amphoteric.
03

Applying the Rule to CrO and CrO3

CrO, chromium(II) oxide, has a lower oxidation state than Cr2O3, which suggests that it would act as a base. On the other hand, CrO3, chromium(VI) oxide, has a higher oxidation state than Cr2O3, which suggests that it would act as an acid.

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Most popular questions from this chapter

Which of the following is the stronger acid: \(\mathrm{CH}_{2} \mathrm{ClCOOH}\) or \(\mathrm{CHCl}_{2} \mathrm{COOH}\) ? Explain your choice.

Which of the following solutions has the highest pH: (a) 0.40 M HCOOH, (b) \(0.40 M \mathrm{HClO}_{4}\), (c) \(0.40 \mathrm{M} \mathrm{CH}_{3} \mathrm{COOH} ?\)

What are the Lewis definitions of an acid and a base? In what way are they more general than the Brønsted definitions?

Define salt hydrolysis. Categorize salts according to how they affect the \(\mathrm{pH}\) of a solution.

Hydrocyanic acid (HCN) is a weak acid and a deadly poisonous compound -in the gaseous form (hydrogen cyanide) it is used in gas chambers. Why is it dangerous to treat sodium cyanide with acids (such as HCl) without proper ventilation?
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