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The Cr2O72- ion (Cr VI) forms HCrO4– 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.
K. Bowden, I. M. Heilbron, E. R. H. Jones and B. C. L. Weedon, J. Chem. Soc., 1946, 0, 39.
E. J. Corey and G. Schmidt, Tetrahedron Lett., 1979, 20, 399–402.