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🥼organic chemistry review

Chromium Trioxide

Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025

Definition

Chromium trioxide, also known as chromic acid, is an inorganic compound with the chemical formula CrO3. It is a strong oxidizing agent and is commonly used in various industrial and laboratory applications, particularly in the context of preparing aldehydes and ketones.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

  1. Chromium trioxide is a powerful oxidizing agent that can be used to convert alcohols into aldehydes and ketones.
  2. The oxidation of alcohols using chromium trioxide is a common method for the preparation of aldehydes and ketones in organic synthesis.
  3. Chromium trioxide is typically used in combination with other reagents, such as pyridine or acetic anhydride, to facilitate the oxidation reaction.
  4. The mechanism of the oxidation reaction involves the chromium trioxide accepting electrons from the alcohol, leading to the formation of the aldehyde or ketone product.
  5. Chromium trioxide is a highly corrosive and toxic compound, and its use requires appropriate safety precautions and personal protective equipment.

Review Questions

  • Explain the role of chromium trioxide in the preparation of aldehydes and ketones.
    • Chromium trioxide is a powerful oxidizing agent that can be used to convert alcohols into aldehydes and ketones. The oxidation reaction involves the chromium trioxide accepting electrons from the alcohol, leading to the formation of the aldehyde or ketone product. This method is commonly used in organic synthesis to prepare these important functional groups, which have various applications in chemistry and biology.
  • Describe the mechanism of the oxidation reaction involving chromium trioxide and alcohols.
    • The mechanism of the oxidation reaction using chromium trioxide typically involves the following steps: 1) The chromium trioxide accepts electrons from the alcohol, leading to the formation of a chromium(VI) intermediate. 2) The chromium(VI) intermediate then undergoes a rearrangement, resulting in the cleavage of the carbon-oxygen bond and the formation of the aldehyde or ketone product. 3) The chromium is reduced to a lower oxidation state, completing the redox process.
  • Evaluate the safety considerations and precautions associated with the use of chromium trioxide in organic synthesis.
    • Chromium trioxide is a highly corrosive and toxic compound, and its use requires appropriate safety precautions and personal protective equipment. Exposure to chromium trioxide can cause severe skin and eye irritation, as well as respiratory issues if inhaled. Additionally, chromium trioxide is a known carcinogen, and its disposal must be handled with great care to minimize environmental and health risks. Proper training, containment, and disposal procedures are essential when working with chromium trioxide in the laboratory or industrial setting.