The above chemical equation describes the redox reaction between potassium permanganate (KMnO4) and oxalic acid (H2C2O4). The result of the reaction is the formation of potassium oxalate (K2C2O4), manganese sulfate (MnSO4), water (H2O), and carbon dioxide gas (CO2).
- Reaction Conditions
The reaction requires an acidic environment to occur. This is usually achieved by adding a strong acid such as sulfuric acid (H2SO4) to the reaction mixture.
- Reaction Process
In the reaction process, KMnO4 acts as a strong oxidizing agent, accepting electrons from H2C2O4 to convert into MnSO4. In this process, H2C2O4 is oxidized to CO2, while KMnO4 is reduced to MnSO4.
- Observed Phenomena
When the reaction takes place, the color of the solution will change. Initially, the solution has the purple color of KMnO4. As the reaction proceeds, the purple color will gradually fade and be replaced by the pale pink color of MnSO4. In addition, you can also see the generation of CO2 gas.