ManganeseVII

Manganese(VII) refers to manganese in the oxidation state +7. This is the highest oxidation state commonly observed for manganese in compounds. The most familiar Mn(VII) species is the permanganate ion, MnO4−, in which manganese is surrounded by four oxygens and carries a −1 charge; another well-known Mn(VII) compound is manganese heptoxide, Mn2O7, a highly reactive oxide.

Mn(VII) compounds are most prevalent as salts of the permanganate ion, such as potassium permanganate KMnO4 and sodium permanganate NaMnO4. These salts are deep purple in solution and are widely used as oxidizing agents in organic synthesis, in redox titrations (permanganometry), and for water disinfection.

Permanganate’s redox behavior is solvent dependent. In acidic solutions, MnO4− is reduced to Mn2+, a colorless ion; in neutral or basic solutions it is typically reduced to MnO2, a brown precipitate. This versatility underlies many analytical and preparative applications, but also requires careful control of conditions during use.

Occurrence and safety: Manganese(VII) does not exist as a free metal or simple oxide in nature. Permanganate salts are prepared industrially and used as reagents; Mn2O7 and related Mn(VII) oxides are unstable and handle under strictly controlled conditions. As strong oxidizers, permanganates pose fire and explosion hazards with organic materials and require proper storage and handling.