Chromium (Cr) can have several oxidation states, but the most common ones are +2, +3, and +6.
1. Step 1: Understanding common oxidation states.
- In its most common oxidation state, Cr has a +3 charge. This occurs in compounds like chromium(III) chloride \( \text{CrCl}_3 \).
- Chromium can also form a +6 oxidation state, as seen in compounds like chromium(VI) oxide \( \text{CrO}_3 \) and potassium dichromate \( \text{K}_2\text{Cr}_2\text{O}_7 \).
- The +2 oxidation state of chromium is less common but still stable in some compounds.
Thus, the most common oxidation states of chromium are +3 and +6, with +6 being the most common.