PermanganatemanganeseII

PermanganatemanganeseII refers to a chemical compound containing both the permanganate ion (MnO4-) and manganese in its +2 oxidation state (Mn2+). This is an unusual combination because the permanganate ion is a very strong oxidizing agent, meaning it readily accepts electrons and is reduced to a lower oxidation state. Manganese in the +2 state is typically a stable, reduced form of manganese.

When these two species are together, a reaction is highly probable. The permanganate ion will oxidize the manganese(II) ions. The specific products of this reaction depend on the conditions, such as pH and the concentration of reactants. In acidic solutions, manganese(II) is typically oxidized to manganese(IV) oxide (MnO2) or even manganese(VII) (as MnO4- itself), while the permanganate is reduced to colorless manganese(II) ions (Mn2+). In neutral or alkaline solutions, the oxidation product of manganese(II) is often manganese(IV) oxide (MnO2), a brown solid, and the permanganate is reduced to MnO2.

Due to the inherent reactivity between the strong oxidizing power of permanganate and the reduced state of manganese(II), a stable, isolable compound containing both permanganate and manganese(II) as distinct, unreacted ions is unlikely to exist under normal circumstances. If such a mixture is prepared, a redox reaction will occur, consuming one or both species. The term might be used in discussions of specific reaction pathways or intermediate species in complex chemical processes involving manganese compounds.