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The Cr₂O₇^2- ion (Cr VI) forms HCrO_4^- in acidic aqueous solution, which can eliminate a molecule of water to give the reagent CrO₃. This then oxidises alcohols to a aldehdyes and ketones via the chromate ester intermediate. The reduced chromium (Cr IV) can undego series of reactions bringing it ultimately to the Cr (III) oxidation state.