Which of the following is the oxidizing agent in the reaction: 2MnO4⁻ + 5C2O4²⁻

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Question: Which of the following is the oxidizing agent in the reaction: 2MnO4⁻ + 5C2O4²⁻ + 6H⁺ → 2Mn²⁺ + 10CO2 + 3H2O? (2022)

Options:

Correct Answer: MnO4⁻

Exam Year: 2022

Solution:

In this reaction, MnO4⁻ is reduced to Mn²⁺, thus it acts as the oxidizing agent.

Which of the following is the oxidizing agent in the reaction: 2MnO4⁻ + 5C2O4²⁻ + 6H⁺ → 2Mn²⁺ + 10CO2 + 3H2O? (2022)

Which of the following is the oxidizing agent in the reaction: 2MnO4⁻ + 5C2O4²⁻ + 6H⁺ → 2Mn²⁺ + 10CO2 + 3H2O? (2022)

Step 1: Identify the reactants and products in the reaction: 2MnO4⁻ + 5C2O4²⁻ + 6H⁺ → 2Mn²⁺ + 10CO2 + 3H2O.
Step 2: Determine the oxidation states of manganese (Mn) in MnO4⁻ and Mn²⁺. In MnO4⁻, Mn has an oxidation state of +7, and in Mn²⁺, it has an oxidation state of +2.
Step 3: Notice that the oxidation state of Mn decreases from +7 to +2, which means MnO4⁻ is gaining electrons (being reduced).
Step 4: Identify the species that is being oxidized. In this case, C2O4²⁻ (oxalate) is being oxidized to CO2, which means it is losing electrons.
Step 5: Recall the definition of an oxidizing agent: it is a substance that gains electrons and is reduced in a chemical reaction. Since MnO4⁻ is being reduced, it is the oxidizing agent.

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