Potassium permanganate is widely utilized as a potent oxidizing agent in various chemical analyses. — d and f Block Elements Chemistry Question

💡 Solution & Explanation

Acidified $KMnO_4$ possesses an exceptionally high reduction potential. It smoothly oxidizes $Fe^{2+}$ to $Fe^{3+}$, precipitates elemental Sulphur from $H_2S$ ($S^{2-} \rightarrow S$), and completely oxidizes oxalate ions to $CO_2$ ($C_2O_4^{2-} \rightarrow 2CO_2$). However, it oxidizes Nitrite ions ($NO_2^-$) upward to Nitrate ions ($NO_3^-$), not downward to $N_2$ gas.