The problem requires determining the number of moles of \( \text{MnO}_4^- \) necessary to completely oxidize one mole of ferrous oxalate (\( \text{FeC}_2\text{O}_4 \)) in an acidic medium. To solve this, we'll follow these steps:
Understanding the Reaction: In acidic conditions, potassium permanganate (\( \text{MnO}_4^- \)) acts as a strong oxidizing agent, which changes to \( \text{Mn}^{2+} \) while gaining electrons. The reaction for this half-cell is:
\text{MnO}_4^- + 8H^+ + 5e^- \rightarrow \text{Mn}^{2+} + 4H_2O
Oxidation of Ferrous Oxalate: Ferrous oxalate contains iron in the \( +2 \) oxidation state, which will be oxidized to \( +3 \) by losing electrons. The half-reaction is:
\text{Fe}^{2+} \rightarrow \text{Fe}^{3+} + e^-\
Moreover, the oxalate ion (\( \text{C}_2\text{O}_4^{2-} \)) will be oxidized to carbon dioxide (\( \text{CO}_2 \)), the half-reaction being:
\text{C}_2\text{O}_4^{2-} \rightarrow 2\text{CO}_2 + 2e^-\
Combining the Reactions: For one molecule of ferrous oxalate, we have \( \text{Fe}^{2+} \) and \( \text{C}_2\text{O}_4^{2-} \).
Total electrons needed for complete oxidation of \( \text{FeC}_2\text{O}_4 \) = 1 + 2 = 3 electrons.
Stoichiometry and Moles of \( \text{MnO}_4^- \): From the manganate half-equation, one \( \text{MnO}_4^- \) requires 5 electrons to convert to \( \text{Mn}^{2+} \).
Therefore, the moles of \( \text{MnO}_4^- \) needed:
\frac{3 \text{ electrons}}{5 \text{ electrons per } \text{MnO}_4^-} = 0.6 \text{ mol} \text{ of } \text{MnO}_4^-\
Therefore, to completely oxidize one mole of ferrous oxalate in acidic medium, 0.6 moles of \( \text{MnO}_4^- \) are required. Thus, the correct answer is 0.6 mol.