In KMnO4, what is the oxidation state of Mn?

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Multiple Choice

In KMnO4, what is the oxidation state of Mn?

Explanation:
Balancing oxidation states in a neutral compound uses the rule that the sum of all oxidation numbers must be zero. Potassium almost always contributes +1, and each oxygen contributes -2. With four oxygens, the oxygen part is -8. Let manganese have oxidation state x. The total is +1 + x - 8 = 0, so x = +7. So manganese is in the +7 oxidation state in KMnO4. This matches the permanganate ion MnO4− and explains why permanganate is such a strong oxidizer—the manganese is at the highest common oxidation state for Mn in oxoanions.

Balancing oxidation states in a neutral compound uses the rule that the sum of all oxidation numbers must be zero. Potassium almost always contributes +1, and each oxygen contributes -2. With four oxygens, the oxygen part is -8. Let manganese have oxidation state x. The total is +1 + x - 8 = 0, so x = +7. So manganese is in the +7 oxidation state in KMnO4. This matches the permanganate ion MnO4− and explains why permanganate is such a strong oxidizer—the manganese is at the highest common oxidation state for Mn in oxoanions.

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