What is the primary oxidation state of chromium in Cr2O7^2-?

What is the primary oxidation state of chromium in Cr2O7^2-?

Step 1: Identify the compound Cr2O7^2-. This compound is called dichromate.
Step 2: Recognize that the overall charge of the dichromate ion is -2.
Step 3: Know that oxygen typically has an oxidation state of -2.
Step 4: Since there are 7 oxygen atoms in Cr2O7^2-, calculate the total oxidation state contributed by oxygen: 7 oxygen atoms × -2 = -14.
Step 5: Let the oxidation state of chromium be represented as x. There are 2 chromium atoms, so the total contribution from chromium is 2x.
Step 6: Set up the equation based on the total charge: 2x + (-14) = -2.
Step 7: Solve the equation: 2x - 14 = -2, which simplifies to 2x = 12, and then x = 6.
Step 8: Conclude that the oxidation state of chromium in Cr2O7^2- is +6.

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