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Chemistry

How Chromium(VI) Compounds Act as Strong Oxidants in Acidic Conditions

Quick fact

In acidic solution, the standard reduction potential of chromium(VI) to chromium(III) is about +1.33 V, which is even stronger than chlorine gas (E° = +1.36 V). This means acidic dichromate can oxidize many organic compounds, including ethanol to acetaldehyde.

Why this is interesting

You may have seen orange dichromate solution turn green when mixed with an alcohol. Why does this happen, and why does it only work when the solution is acidic?