Aqueous chromium(II) ions, Cr(aq)(2+), react with benzoylpyridine oxide (BPO) much more rapidly than with other pyridine N-oxides previously explored. The kinetics were studied under pseudo-first order conditions with either reagent in excess. Under both sets of conditions, the major kinetic term exhibits first order dependence on limiting reagent, and second order dependence on excess reagent, i.e.k(Cr) = k2(Cr)[BPO][Cr(aq)(2+)]2 (excess Cr(aq)(2+)), and k(BPO) = k2(BPO)[Cr(aq)(2+)][BPO](2) (excess BPO), where k2(Cr) = (6.90 +/- 0.27) x 10(4) M(-2) s(-1) and k2(BPO) = (3.32 +/- 0.28) x 10(5) M(-2) s(-1) in 0.10 M HClO4. The rate constant k2(Cr) contains terms corresponding to [H+]-independent and [H+]-catalyzed paths. In the proposed mechanism, the initially formed Cr(aq)(BPO)(2+) engages in parallel oxidation of Cr(aq)(2+) and reduction of BPO. The latter reaction provides the basis for a convenient new preparative route for the BPO complex of Cr(III).