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- Detailed information about the equation 5KMnO4 + 3H2C2O4 -> 5K2C2O4 + 3MnO2 + 4H2O:
- Looking at the equation, we see that this is a redox reaction. KMnO4 (potassium permanganate) reacts with H2C2O4 (oxalic acid – also known as ethanedioic acid) to form K2C2O4 (potassium oxalate), MnO2 (manganese dioxide) and H2O (water). In this process, KMnO4 is reduced and H2C2O4 is oxidized.
- Reaction conditions:
- This reaction usually occurs under normal temperature and pressure conditions.
- Reaction process:
- Firstly, KMnO4 is reduced to MnO2, during this process, KMnO4 loses 3 e-.
- At the same time, H2C2O4 is oxidized to K2C2O4, during this process, H2C2O4 gains 2 e-.
- Thus, the total number of e- exchanged in this reaction is 5.
- Phenomenon that occurs:
- When the reaction occurs, you will notice that the color of the KMnO4 solution will fade from purple and turns into the brown color of MnO2. K2C2O4 is colorless so it can’t be observed when the reaction takes place.