Which oxide CrO3 or CrO is more basic in water. Why
CrO is more basic in water compared to CrO3.
In water, CrO3 (chromium trioxide) acts as an acidic oxide and forms chromic acid, which is a strong acid (H2CrO4):
CrO3 + H2O → H2CrO4
On the other hand, CrO (chromium(II) oxide) acts as a basic oxide and reacts with water to form chromate ions (CrO4^2-):
CrO + H2O → CrO4^2- + 2H+
Therefore, CrO is more basic because it leads to the production of OH- ions (through protonation of water), which indicates basicity.
In order to determine which oxide, CrO3 or CrO, is more basic in water, we need to consider their reactions with water and their resulting hydrolysis products.
CrO3, also known as chromium trioxide, is a powerful oxidizing agent but is not basic in water. It reacts with water to form chromic acid (H2CrO4), which is a strong acid and not basic in nature. Therefore, CrO3 is not basic in water.
On the other hand, CrO, also known as chromium(II) oxide, is a basic oxide. It reacts with water to form chromic hydroxide (Cr(OH)2), which is a weak base. The hydrolysis reaction equation is as follows:
CrO + H2O -> Cr(OH)2
Therefore, CrO is more basic in water compared to CrO3.
In summary, CrO is more basic in water compared to CrO3, as CrO reacts with water to form chromic hydroxide (Cr(OH)2), which is a weak base.