NVAEasyJEE 2023Oxidation Number & Redox Reactions

JEE Chemistry 2023 Question with Solution

The total change in the oxidation state of manganese involved in the reaction of KMnO4\mathrm{KMnO_4} and potassium iodide in acidic medium is _____

Answer

Correct answer:5

Step-by-step solution

Standard Method

Given: The reaction involves KMnO4\mathrm{KMnO_4} and potassium iodide in acidic medium.

Find: The total change in the oxidation state of manganese.

In acidic medium, potassium permanganate is reduced according to the half-reaction:

MnO4+8H++5eMn2++4H2O\mathrm{MnO_4^- + 8H^+ + 5e^- \rightarrow Mn^{2+} + 4H_2O}

The oxidation state of manganese in MnO4\mathrm{MnO_4^-} is +7+7.

The oxidation state of manganese in Mn2+\mathrm{Mn^{2+}} is +2+2.

So, the change in oxidation state is:

+7+2+7 \rightarrow +2

Hence, the total decrease is:

72=57 - 2 = 5

Therefore, the total change in the oxidation state of manganese involved in the reaction is 55.

Oxidation State Shortcut

Given: Manganese is present in KMnO4\mathrm{KMnO_4} in acidic medium.

Find: The total change in oxidation state of manganese.

In acidic medium, manganese in permanganate always changes from +7+7 to +2+2.

So directly:

Δoxidation state=72=5\Delta \text{oxidation state} = 7 - 2 = 5

Therefore, the required numerical value is 55.

Common mistakes

  • Taking the oxidation state of manganese in KMnO4\mathrm{KMnO_4} incorrectly. Oxygen is 2-2, so manganese is +7+7, not +4+4 or +6+6. Always calculate oxidation state from the overall charge.

  • Using the product formed in neutral or basic medium instead of acidic medium. In acidic medium, permanganate is reduced to Mn2+\mathrm{Mn^{2+}}. Do not use MnO2\mathrm{MnO_2} or manganate here.

  • Reporting the final oxidation state difference with sign as 5-5. The question asks for the total change, so the numerical magnitude is 55.

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