Infrared spectra of the title compounds with krohnkite-type infinite octahedral-tetrahedral chains, K2Me(CrO4)(2)center dot 2H(2)O (Me = Mg, Co, Ni, Zn, Cd), are presented in the regions of the uncoupled O-D stretching modes of matrix-isolated HDO molecules (isotopically dilute samples) and water librations. The strengths of the hydrogen bonds are discussed in terms of the respective O-w ... O bond distances, the Me-water interactions (synergetic effect), the proton acceptor capability of the chromate oxygen atoms as deduced from Brown's bond valence sum of the oxygen atoms. The spectroscopic experiments reveal that hydrogen bonds of medium strength are formed in the chromates. The hydrogen bond strengths decrease in the order Cd > Zn > Ni > Co in agreement with the decreasing covalency of the respective Me-OH2 bonds in the same order, i.e. decreasing acidity of the water molecules. The infrared band positions corresponding to the water librations confirm the claim that the hydrogen bonds in K2Cd(CrO4)(2)center dot 2H(2)O are stronger than those formed in K2Mg(CrO4)(2)center dot 2H(2)O on one hand, and on the other-the hydrogen bonds in K2Ni(CrO4)(2)center dot 2H(2)O are stronger than those in K2Co(CrO4)(2)center dot 2H(2)O. (C) 2009 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved