What is the equation for this reaction: Potassium permanganate reacts with aluminum sulfate to produce potassium sulfate and aluminum permanganate?

1 Answer
anor277
Apr 14, 2017

This is straightforward metathesis reaction..........we balance charge, and balance mass.

Explanation:

#6KMnO_4 + Al_2(SO_4)_3 rarr 2Al(MnO_4)_3+3K_2(SO_4)#

Is this balanced...........?

We should be careful with the use of permanganate anion, as it is a POTENT oxidant. Permanganate anion is typically reduced to (almost) COLOURLESS #Mn^(2+)# (note that other reduction products are possible, but these depend on conditions):

#MnO_4^(-) +8H^+ +5e^(-) rarr Mn^(2+) + 4H_2O#

Here, however, the #Al^(3+)# cation is redox inert, and CANNOT undergo further oxidation.........

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