Question

Describe the preparation of potassium permanganate. How does the acidified
permanganate solution react with (i) iron(II) ions (ii) SO₂ and (iii) oxalic acid? Write the ionic equations for the reactions.

Answer 1

Potassium permanganate can be prepared from pyrolusite (MnO₂). The ore is fused with
KOH in the presence of either atmospheric oxygen or an oxidising agent, such as KNO₃
or KClO₄, to give K₂MnO₄.

The green mass can be extracted with water and then oxidized either electrolytically or by
passing chlorine/ozone into the solution. Electrolytic oxidation