La 1 -x Sr x CrO 3 (0.2 ≤ x ≤ 0.3) powders have been prepared by a sol-gel process and dried in a microwave oven. Synthesis conditions were optimized using differential scanning calorimetry and mass spec trometry data. The phase composition of the synthesis products obtained at temperatures of 800, 850, 900, and 950°C was determined by X ray diffraction. Scanning electron microscopy was used to determine the particle size of the powders and examine their morphology.