Numford
Oxidation number

Mn in KMnO₄

Mn is +7 in potassium permanganate.

Oxidation number

Type a formula or an ion: K2Cr2O7, Cr2O7 2-, MnO4-, NH4+ or K4[Fe(CN)6]. Put a known ion in brackets when two elements are unknown. Pick an element to solve for it.

Mn+7

  1. K is an alkali metal: +1 in its compounds.
  2. Oxygen is −2 in most compounds.
  3. The oxidation numbers add up to the charge, 0: (+1) + 4(−2) + x = 0.
  4. x = +7.
Rule steps

How to find it

  1. K is an alkali metal: +1 in its compounds.
  2. Oxygen is −2 in most compounds.
  3. The oxidation numbers add up to the charge, 0: (+1) + 4(−2) + x = 0.
  4. x = +7.
Every atom

All the oxidation numbers in KMnO₄

  • K +11 atom, alkali metal
  • O −24 atoms, oxygen
  • Mn +71 atom, sum rule
Questions

Mn in KMnO₄: quick answers

What is the oxidation number of Mn in KMnO₄?

Mn in KMnO₄ (potassium permanganate) is +7.

How do you find the oxidation number of Mn in KMnO₄?

K is an alkali metal: +1 in its compounds. Oxygen is −2 in most compounds. The oxidation numbers add up to the charge, 0: (+1) + 4(−2) + x = 0. x = +7.

What are the oxidation numbers of the other atoms in KMnO₄?

K +1, O −2. Together with Mn at +7 they add up to the charge of the compound, 0.

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