Chromium(II1) hydroxide forms a stable col- loid solution, whose isoelectric point is at pH 5. At higher pH the sol becomes negatively charged and adsorbs cations, whereas below pH 5 the charge is positive and anions are adsorbed. The adsorption capacity of chromium(III) hy- droxide sols is higher than that of aluminum or iron(II) hydroxide sols. Sols containing 127 g of Cr2O3 per liter have been obtained from concen- trated chromium(III) chloride solution by addi- tion of ammonium carbonate and dialysis while the solution is hot [26]. Cr* ion also polymerizes, as a result of hydrolysis and associated reactions, to form bridged complexes with a certain composition, the existence of which is indicated by indirect, but substantial, evidence. Complexes of this type range from dimers through polymers of colloidal dimensions to precipitated Cr® hydroxide. Except uader special cireum- stances, such reactions are inevitable in neutral and basic solutions and highly probable in slightly acid solutions What makes the chemistry of Cr3+ complexes interesting and often tortuous for researchers, is the number of steps and mechanisms possible. The processes include aquation, hy- drolysis, olation, polymerization, oxolation and anion pen- tration, as described briefly as follows:Reaction of chromaium(II1) ions To study these reactions use a 0:33M solution of chromium(III) chloride CrCly .6H1;0 or a 0-166u solution of chrominm(ITT) sulphate Cr,(SO4)3-15H,0. J, Ammonia Solution: grey-green to grey-blue gelatinous precipitate of chromium(III) hydroxide, Cr(OH)s, slightly soluble in excess of the precipitant in the cold forming a violet or pink solution containing complex hexammine- chromate(IID) ion: upon boiling the solution, chromium hydroxide is precipi- tated. Hence for complete precipitation of chromium as the hydroxide, it is essential that the solution be boiling and excess aqueous ammonia solution be avoided Cr** +3NH,+3H,0 > Cr(OH),|+3NH} Cr(OH);| +6NH, + [Cr(NH3),]°* + 30H~ In the presence of acetate ions and the absence of other tervalent metal ions, chromium(III) hydroxideis not precipitated. The precipitation of chromium(III) hydroxide is also prevented by tartrates and by citrates. 2. Sodium hydroxide solution: precipitate of chromium(ITT) hydroxide Cr?" +30H™ + Cr(OH);) 255 The reaction is reversible: on the addition of acids the precipitate dissolves. In excess reagent the precipitate dissolves readily, tetrahydroxochromate(III) ions (or chromite ions) being formed: Cr(OH); +OH- = [Cr(OH),]- The solution is green. This reaction is reversible; on (slight) acidification and also on boiling chromium(III) hydroxide precipitates again. On adding hydrogen peroxide to the alkaline solution of tetrahydroxo- chromate(III), a yellow solution is obtained, owing to the oxidation of chromium(III) to chromate: 2[C(OH),] +3H,0,+20H” + 2CrO} +8H,0 After decomposing the excess of hydrogen peroxide by boiling, chromate ions may be identified in the solution by one of its reactions (cf. Section IV.33). 3. Sodium carbonate solution: precipitate of chromium(III) hydroxide: 2Cr?* +3003" + 3H,0 + 2Cr(OH);1+3C0,f