Chromium(III) oxide (Cr2O3) is an ionic compound. It consists of positively charged chromium ions (Cr3+) and negatively charged oxide ions (O2-). The electrostatic attraction between these oppositely charged ions holds the compound together.

In contrast to molecular compounds, ionic compounds do not exist as discrete molecules. Instead, the ions in an ionic compound are arranged in a regular, repeating pattern called a crystal lattice.