An acidified aqueous solution of a dichromate salt is treated with hydrogen peroxide in the presence of amyl alcohol, yielding a deep blue coloured compound in the organic layer. The oxidation state of chromium and the number of peroxy linkages ( O - O bonds) present in this blue compound are, respectively:

Step-by-step solution

The reaction of acidified dichromate with hydrogen peroxide produces chromium peroxide ( CrO ₅ ), which is responsible for the deep blue colour in the organic layer. The structure of CrO ₅ is a 'butterfly' structure. It contains one oxo oxygen ( O ²⁻ ) double-bonded to chromium, and four peroxo oxygens ( O ₂²⁻ ) forming two peroxy linkages ( O - O bonds). Let the oxidation state of Cr be x . Using the oxidation states of the oxygen atoms: x + 1(-2) + 4(-1) = 0 x = +6 . Thus, the oxidation state of chromium is +6 an