Question

A BASIC solution of potassium permanganate is mixed with a solution of sodium sulfite. a. Using the half-reaction method, balance the reaction, and write the final net ionic equation. b. What is the oxidation number for sulfur before the reaction? c. What is the oxidation number for sulfur after the reaction?

Answer 1

a. 4 MnO4¯ + SO32- + 4 H2O → 4 MnO2 + SO42- + 4 OH-. b. The oxidation number for sulfur before the reaction is +4. c. The oxidation number for sulfur after the reaction is +6.

Step-by-step explanation:

a. The balanced equation for the reaction between potassium permanganate and sodium sulfite in a basic solution using the half-reaction method is:
4 MnO4¯ + SO32- + 4 H2O → 4 MnO2 + SO42- + 4 OH-

b. The oxidation number for sulfur before the reaction is +4.

c. The oxidation number for sulfur after the reaction is +6.