What is Chromium(III) oxide?
[[File:Chromium(III)-oxide pigment.jpg|thumb|Chromium(III) oxide]] '''Chromium(III) oxide''' is a dark green chemical that has a formula of Cr<sub>2</sub>O<sub>3</sub>. It is composed of chromium in its +3 [[oxidation state]] and [[oxide]] ions. It can react with other metal oxides in [[base (chemistry)|basic]] conditions to make [[chromate]]s. It is made from chromium [[ore]] and is part of the process for making [[chromium]] metal. It was used as a [[pigment]]. It dissolves in acid to produce chromium(III) salts, such as [[chromium(III) chloride]]. [[Stainless steel]]'s corrosion resistance is based on this compound. A thin layer of this compound forms on the surface of the stainless steel. It prevents the rest of the steel from [[oxidation|oxidizing]]. == Related pages == *[[Chromium]] *[[Chromium(III) chloride]] *[[Chromate]] *[[Dichromate]] {{chem-stub}} [[Category:Chromium compounds]] [[Category:Oxides]]