Permanganate Oxidation of Oxalic Acid
2MnO4− + 5C2O42− + 16H+ → 2Mn2+ + 10CO2 + 8H2O
Overview
Permanganate oxidizes oxalate to CO₂ while Mn(VII) is reduced to Mn(II). This reaction is autocatalytic: the Mn²⁺ product catalyzes the reaction, so it starts slowly and accelerates dramatically. The purple permanganate is decolorized as the reaction proceeds. It is a classic redox titration used in analytical chemistry.
Participants
| Role | Substance | Coefficient | State |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reactant | Oxalic Acid C₂H₂O₄ | 5 | (aq) |
| Product | Water H₂O | 8 | (l) |
| Product | Carbon Dioxide CO₂ | 10 | (g) |
Everyday Example
This reaction demonstrates autocatalysis: the first drops of permanganate decolorize slowly, but later drops disappear almost instantly.
Industrial Importance
Permanganate-oxalate titration is used to standardize permanganate solutions and as a teaching example of autocatalytic kinetics.
Properties
- Type
- Redox
- Reversible
- No
- Energy
- Exothermic
- ΔH
- -489.0 kJ/mol
Related Reactions
Aqua Regia Dissolving Gold
Bleaching with Sodium Hypochlorite
Cerium(IV) Reduction by Iron(II)
Chlorine Oxidation of Bromide
Chromate-Dichromate Equilibrium
Contact Process SO₂ Oxidation
Copper Displaced by Iron
Copper Oxidation by Nitric Acid
Copper Patina Formation (Verdigris)
Copper Reduction of Silver Ion
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the equation for Permanganate Oxidation of Oxalic Acid?
The balanced equation is: 2MnO₄⁻ + 5C₂O₄²⁻ + 16H⁺ → 2Mn²⁺ + 10CO₂ + 8H₂O.
What type of reaction is Permanganate Oxidation of Oxalic Acid?
Permanganate Oxidation of Oxalic Acid is a redox reaction.
Is Permanganate Oxidation of Oxalic Acid exothermic or endothermic?
Permanganate Oxidation of Oxalic Acid is exothermic (releases energy). The enthalpy change (ΔH) is -489.0 kJ/mol.