Question

The reaction of $H _2 O _2$ with potassium permanganate in acidic medium leads to the formation of mainly:

• A. $Mn ^{2+}$
• B. $Mn ^{4+}$
• C. $Mn ^{3+}$
• D. $Mn ^{6+}$

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

The correct option is(A): $Mn ^{2+}$.

The reaction of hydrogen peroxide (H2​O2​) with potassium permanganate (KMnO4​) in acidic medium leads to the oxidation of H2​O2​ and the reduction of KMnO4​. The products of this reaction depend on the oxidation states of the elements involved. Let's write and balance the reaction to understand why the answer is Mn2+:

The balanced chemical equation for the reaction is as follows:

5H2​O2​+2KMnO4​+3H2​SO4​→K2​SO4​+2MnSO4​+8H2​O+5O2​

In this reaction, H2​O2​ is oxidized to O2​, and KMnO4​ is reduced to Mn2+.

The reaction in acidic medium involves the following changes:

• H2​O2​ is oxidized from its oxidation state of 0 to -2 (oxygen atom).
• KMnO4​ is reduced from its oxidation state of +7 (manganese) to +2 (manganese).

The main product formed as a result of this reaction is Mn2+ (manganese ions), which comes from the reduction of KMnO4​. Therefore, the answer is Mn2+.

In summary, when hydrogen peroxide reacts with potassium permanganate in acidic medium, the main product formed is Mn2+ (manganese ions), which is a result of the reduction of KMnO4​.