Concept:
Chromium pentoxide (\(CrO_5\)) has a unique "butterfly" structure. To determine the number of peroxy linkages, we must look at the connectivity between oxygen atoms.
Step 1: Visualize the structure.
In \(CrO_5\), there is one central Chromium atom.
• One oxygen atom is connected to Cr via a double bond (\(Cr=O\)).
• The other four oxygen atoms form two peroxy groups (\(O-O\)).
Step 2: Count the linkages.
A peroxy linkage is an \(O-O\) single bond.
In the butterfly structure, each "wing" is composed of a peroxy group bonded to the central Chromium. Since there are two such wings, there are 2 peroxy linkages.
Step 3: Verify Oxidation State.
Using the peroxy links (\(O\) in \(-1\) state) and the oxo link (\(O\) in \(-2\) state):
\[ x + 4(-1) + 1(-2) = 0 \Rightarrow x = +6 \]
This matches the maximum oxidation state for Chromium.