The above chemical equation describes the redox reaction between potassium permanganate (KMnO4) and sulfuric acid (H2SO4) to form potassium sulfate (K2SO4), manganese sulfate (MnSO4), water (H2O), and sulfur dioxide (SO2).
- Reaction conditions:
This reaction occurs under high temperature and appropriate pressure. There must be enough H2SO4 for KMnO4 to be fully reduced.
- Reaction process:
KMnO4 (in the form of purple crystals) and H2SO4 (in a colorless liquid form) react with each other when stimulated by temperature and pressure, forming K2SO4 (in the form of colorless crystals), MnSO4 (in the form of pale pink crystals), H2O (in a colorless liquid form) and SO2 (in a colorless gas form).
- Phenomena occur:
When the reaction occurs, you will see the purple color of KMnO4 disappear, replaced by the pale pink color of MnSO4 and the escaping SO2 gas.