Oxidation state in permanganate
What is the oxidation state of manganese in KMnO4?
Answer D: explanation for every choice
A
+2 is a common Mn oxidation state in salts, but not in permanganate.
B
+4 is manganese's oxidation state in MnO2.
C
+5 doesn't balance the charges.
D
Correct. K is +1 and each O is −2: +1 + x + 4(−2) = 0, so x = +7.
TakeawayOxidation states sum to the overall charge.
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Reviewed 2026-11-05 by a medical student. Spot an error? Report it with question ID cp103.