Question

What is the equation for this reaction: Potassium permanganate reacts with aluminum sulfate to produce potassium sulfate and aluminum permanganate?

Answer 1

This is straightforward metathesis reaction..........we balance charge, and balance mass.

Explanation:

`6KMnO_4 + Al_2(SO_4)_3 rarr 2Al(MnO_4)_3+3K_2(SO_4)`

Is this balanced...........?

We should be careful with the use of permanganate anion, as it is a POTENT oxidant. Permanganate anion is typically reduced to (almost) COLOURLESS `Mn^(2+)` (note that other reduction products are possible, but these depend on conditions):

`MnO_4^(-) +8H^+ +5e^(-) rarr Mn^(2+) + 4H_2O`

Here, however, the `Al^(3+)` cation is redox inert, and CANNOT undergo further oxidation.........