Question:medium

In an oxidation-reduction reaction, what happens to the oxidation state of the central atom in \( \text{MnO}_4^- \) when it is reduced to \( \text{Mn}^{2+} \)?

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When solving oxidation-reduction problems, always determine the oxidation states of the elements involved before and after the reaction.
Updated On: Jan 14, 2026
  • The oxidation state increases from +7 to +2.
  • The oxidation state decreases from +7 to +2.
  • The oxidation state remains the same.
  • The oxidation state increases from +2 to +7.
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The Correct Option is B

Solution and Explanation

Within the compound \( \text{MnO}_4^- \), manganese (Mn) exhibits an oxidation state of +7. Upon reduction of \( \text{MnO}_4^- \) to \( \text{Mn}^{2+} \), the oxidation state of manganese is lowered to +2.

This transformation represents a reduction, characterized by the manganese atom acquiring electrons and consequently decreasing its oxidation state.

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