Question

Write the ionic equations to represent the oxidising nature of KMnO₄ in an acidic solution.

Answer 1

Potassium permanganate is a strong oxidising agent in acidic environments. In the presence of dilute sulphuric acid, it interacts as shown below.

\[\ce{2KMnO4 + 3H2SO4 -> K2SO4 + 2MnSO4 + 3H2O + 5O}\]

The reaction actually involves the reduction of \[\ce{MnO^-_4}\] ions to Mn²⁺ ions.

\[\ce{MnO^-_4 + 8H+ + 5e- -> Mn^{2+} + 4H2O}\]