The chemical formula for chromium cyanide depends on the oxidation state of chromium and the number of cyanide ions involved. The most common form of chromium cyanide is chromium(III) cyanide, where chromium has an oxidation state of +3.
The formula for chromium(III) cyanide is:
Cr(CN)₃
In this compound, one chromium (Cr) atom is coordinated with three cyanide (CN⁻) ions. If chromium were in a different oxidation state, such as +2, the formula would differ. For example, chromium(II) cyanide would be Cr(CN)₂.