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💏intro to chemistry review

Manganese(VII) Sulfate

Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025

Definition

Manganese(VII) sulfate, also known as permanganate sulfate, is a transition metal compound that consists of a manganese atom in its highest oxidation state (+7) bonded to four oxygen atoms and a sulfate group. It is an important compound in the context of the occurrence, preparation, and properties of transition metals and their compounds. Manganese(VII) sulfate is a powerful oxidizing agent and finds various applications in chemistry, including as an analytical reagent, disinfectant, and water treatment agent.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

  1. Manganese(VII) sulfate is a deep purple crystalline solid that is highly soluble in water, forming a purple solution.
  2. It is prepared by the reaction of manganese dioxide with concentrated sulfuric acid at high temperatures.
  3. Manganese(VII) sulfate is a powerful oxidizing agent and can be used to oxidize a wide range of organic and inorganic compounds.
  4. In aqueous solution, manganese(VII) sulfate undergoes a disproportionation reaction, producing manganese(II) ions and oxygen gas.
  5. Due to its oxidizing properties, manganese(VII) sulfate has applications in water treatment, disinfection, and as an analytical reagent in chemistry.

Review Questions

  • Explain the significance of the high oxidation state (+7) of manganese in manganese(VII) sulfate.
    • The high +7 oxidation state of manganese in manganese(VII) sulfate is significant because it indicates the compound is a powerful oxidizing agent. Transition metals like manganese can exhibit a range of oxidation states, with the +7 state being the highest. This high oxidation state gives manganese(VII) sulfate the ability to readily accept electrons and oxidize other substances, making it useful in various chemical applications, such as water treatment and as an analytical reagent.
  • Describe the preparation of manganese(VII) sulfate and explain how the reaction conditions influence the formation of this compound.
    • Manganese(VII) sulfate is typically prepared by the reaction of manganese dioxide (MnO₂) with concentrated sulfuric acid (H₂SO₄) at high temperatures. The high temperature conditions are necessary to overcome the kinetic barriers and drive the reaction forward, allowing the manganese to be oxidized to the +7 oxidation state. The concentrated sulfuric acid provides the necessary acidic environment and sulfate ions to form the manganese(VII) sulfate product. The specific reaction conditions, such as temperature and acid concentration, are crucial in determining the yield and purity of the final manganese(VII) sulfate compound.
  • Analyze the chemical properties of manganese(VII) sulfate and explain how its oxidizing capabilities are utilized in various applications.
    • Manganese(VII) sulfate is a powerful oxidizing agent due to the high +7 oxidation state of the manganese atom. In aqueous solutions, it can undergo a disproportionation reaction, producing manganese(II) ions and oxygen gas. This oxidizing property makes manganese(VII) sulfate useful in a variety of applications. It can be used as a disinfectant, due to its ability to oxidize and kill microorganisms. In water treatment, manganese(VII) sulfate can be employed to oxidize and remove contaminants, such as iron and manganese, from water supplies. Additionally, its oxidizing capabilities make it a valuable analytical reagent, as it can be used to quantify the presence of certain substances through redox reactions. The versatility of manganese(VII) sulfate in these applications highlights the importance of understanding the properties of transition metal compounds in the context of their occurrence, preparation, and uses.