In chromyl chloride test for confirmation of Cl- ion, a yellow solution is obtained. Acidification of the solution and addition of amyl alcohol and 10\% H2O2 turns organic layer blue indicating formation of chromium pentoxide. The oxidation state of chromium in that is
- +6
- +5
- +3
- +10
Answer
(1) +6
Solution
Yellow solution = CrO42-; then CrO42- + 2H+ + 2H2O2 CrO5 + 3H2O
CrO5 (blue, butterfly structure): one Cr=O (O is −2) + two peroxo O–O groups (each O is −1)
[figure]
x + (−2) + 4(−1) = 0 ⇒ x = +6
∵ Peroxide O is −1, not −2 (taking all five O as −2 would wrongly give +10).
Answer: (1)