* Chromium(III) oxide: This is the more common oxide, and its formula is Cr₂O₃.
* Chromium(VI) oxide: This oxide is highly toxic and corrosive, and its formula is CrO₃.
How to determine the empirical formula:
1. Identify the elements: Chromium (Cr) and Oxygen (O)
2. Determine the oxidation state of chromium: This will tell you the ratio of chromium to oxygen atoms.
* In chromium(III) oxide, chromium has an oxidation state of +3.
* In chromium(VI) oxide, chromium has an oxidation state of +6.
3. Find the simplest whole-number ratio of chromium to oxygen:
* Cr₂O₃: The ratio is 2:3
* CrO₃: The ratio is 1:3
Therefore, the empirical formulas are:
* Chromium(III) oxide: Cr₂O₃
* Chromium(VI) oxide: CrO₃