Question

What element is being oxidized in the following redox reaction?

MnO4 (aq) + H2C2O4(aq) → Mn2+(aq) + CO2(g)

Answer 1

C is the element thats has been oxidized.

Step-by-step explanation:

MnO₄⁻ (aq) + H₂C₂O₄ (aq) → Mn²⁺ (aq) + CO₂(g)

This is a reaction where the manganese from the permanganate, it's reduced to Mn²⁺.

In the oxalic acid, this are the oxidation states:

H: +1

C: +3

O: -2

In the product side, in CO₂ the oxidation states are:

C: +4

O: -2

Carbon from the oxalate has increased the oxidation state, so it has been oxidized.