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The D-And-f-Block Elements

Question
CBSEENCH12007113

Describe the preparation of potassium permanganate. How does the acidified permanganate solution reacts with (a) iron (II) ions (b) SO2 and (c) oxalic acid ? Write the ionic equations for the reactions.

Solution

Preparation of KMnO4 from pyrolusite ore (MnO2) involves the following steps:
(i) Fusion of ore with alkali in presence of air : Pyrolusite ore is fused with alkali in the presence of air when potassium manganate is obtained as green mass.
2MnO2 + 4KOH + O2  → 2K2MnO4 + 2H2O
(green mass)
The green mass is dissolved in water to obtain aqueous solution of potassium manganate. The insoluble impurities of sand and other metal oxides are removed by filtration.
(ii) Oxidation of manganate into permanganate : The aqueous solution of K2MnO4 is oxidised electrolytically or by using ozone or Cl2 to obtain potassium permanganate. The process is carried out till green colour disappear and solution acquires distinct pink colour.MnO42-     MnO4- +e-(Oxidation at anode )H2O +e- 1/2H2 +(OH)- (Reduction at cathode)The overall reaction2K2MnO4 +Cl2 2KMnO4 +2KClgreen                      pink colour
Potassium permanganate is crystallised out from the solution.
Oxidising Properties: It acts as a powerful oxidising agent in different media differently. In acidic medium, it oxidises iron(II) salts to iron(III) salts,
SO2 to H2SO4 and oxalic acid to CO2 and H2O.
(a)    It oxidises iron(II) salt to iron(III) salts.
2MnO42–+ 16H++ 10Fe2+ → 2Mn2+ + 8H2O + 10Fe3+
(b)    It oxidised sulphur dioxide to sulphuric acid.
2MnO4 + 5SO2 + 2H2O → 5SO42– + 2Mn2+ 4H+
(c)    It oxidises oxalic acid to CO2 and H2O
2MnO4 + 16H+ + 5C2O42 → 2Mn2+ + 8H2O + 10CO2