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General Science • ChemistryEasy

What is the oxidation number of manganese in potassium permanganate (KMnO4)?

A. +5
B. +6
C. +7✓ Correct Answer
D. +4

💡 Solution & Explanation

In potassium permanganate, potassium exhibits a fixed oxidation state of plus one and each oxygen atom holds a minus two oxidation state, requiring manganese to balance the formula with a plus seven state. Determining oxidation states relies on algebraic summation where the total charge of a neutral polyatomic species equals zero. Potassium permanganate is a powerful oxidizing agent widely used in redox titrations.

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