Acidified Potassium Permanganate () exhibits immense oxidizing power. When it is treated with an aqu — d and f Block Elements Chemistry Question

💡 Solution & Explanation

The oxidizing behaviour of $KMnO_4$ is highly dependent on the pH of the medium. In a strictly acidic medium, $KMnO_4$ oxidises Iodide ions ($I^-$) completely to liberate free, molecular Iodine ($I_2$). The reaction is: $10I^- + 2MnO_4^- + 16H^+ \rightarrow 2Mn^{2+} + 8H_2O + 5I_2$. Note that in alkaline or neutral media, it oxidizes $I^-$ to Iodate ($IO_3^-$).