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Chapter 19: Problem 13

Write a short note on the oxidising action of \(\mathrm{KMnO}_{4}\).

Short Answer

Expert verified
Potassium permanganate (\(\mathrm{KMnO}_{4}\)) is a potent oxidising agent due to the presence of the permanganate ion. It undergoes a key reaction where it is reduced to \(\mathrm{MnO}_{2}\) in acidic solutions, and to manganate in neutral or slightly alkaline solutions. It is widely used in quantitative analysis, as a disinfectant and deodoriser, and in treating certain diseases. The solution changes color when oxidation is complete, making it an useful self-indicator. In alkaline solutions, it can oxidise various substances without getting reduced.

Step by step solution

01

Understanding the oxidising property of \(\mathrm{KMnO}_{4}\)

Potassium permanganate (\(\mathrm{KMnO}_{4}\)) is a powerful oxidising agent. The strength of its oxidising power comes from the presence of the permanganate ion (\(\mathrm{MnO}_{4}^{-}\)) which has an unpaired electron, making it highly reactive.
02

Describe the reaction of \(\mathrm{KMnO}_{4}\)

The key reaction \(\mathrm{KMnO}_{4}\) undergoes is its reduction to manganese dioxide (\(\mathrm{MnO}_{2}\)) in acidic solutions, and to manganate (\(\mathrm{MnO}_{4}^{2-}\)) in neutral or slightly alkaline solutions.
03

Discuss its applications

Potassium permanganate is widely used for quantitative analysis in redox titration, where an unknown sample is oxidised and the extent of reaction is indicated by the decolourisation of \(\mathrm{KMnO}_{4}\). It is also used as a disinfectant and deodoriser, in treating some parasitic diseases of fish and water treatment.
04

Behaviour in acidic and alkaline solutions

In acidic solutions, the purple \(\mathrm{KMnO}_{4}\) solution gets decolorized when oxidation is complete. This self-indicating property makes it useful in redox titrations. In alkaline solutions, it can be used to oxidise various substances without getting reduced itself.

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Most popular questions from this chapter

Discuss the extraction of the following elements: (a) Zinc (b) Nickel (c) Cadmium

Describe the preventive methods of corrosion.

Give balanced chemical reactions for: (a) Treatment of acidified \(\mathrm{K}_{2} \mathrm{Cr}_{2} \mathrm{O}_{7}\) with \(\mathrm{KI}\) (b) Treatment of acidified \(\mathrm{K}_{2} \mathrm{Cr}_{2} \mathrm{O}_{7}\) with \(\mathrm{H}_{2} \mathrm{O}_{2}\) (c) Treatment of acidified \(\mathrm{KMnO}_{4}\) with oxalic acid (d) Treatment of \(\mathrm{K}_{4} \mathrm{Fe}(\mathrm{CN})_{6}\) with conc. \(\mathrm{H}_{2} \mathrm{SO}_{4}\) (e) Treatment of zinc chloride with sodium hydroxide

Discuss the general chemical behaviour of following elements: (a) Chromyl chloride (b) Potassium chromate (c) Pure \(\mathrm{MnO}_{2}\) (a) Chromium (b) Cobalt (c) Zinc

What are the different oxidation states exhibited by the following elements: (a) Titanium (b) Nickel (c) Vanadium Also comment on the colour and magnetic properties of the compounds in these oxidation states.
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