Question

How in the reaction below, KMnO4 acting as an oxidising agent ?


$$\begin{gathered} Q.K_{2}C{r}_2{O}_{7}actsasaverystrongoxidi\sin gagentintheacidicmedium. \\ {K}_{2}C{r}_2{O}_7+4H_{2}S{O}_4\to K_{2}S{O}_4+C{r}_2{\left(S{O}_4\right)}_3+4H_{2}O+3\left[O\right] \end{gathered}$$

Answer 1

The solution is as follows:

In the reaction above, we see that 3 nascent oxygen atoms are formed which are highly unstable in their 0 oxidation state. Thus, they readily gain two electrons and form O^2-, thus get reduced and oxidise the desired molecule. For e.g:

Cu + [O] $\to$Cu²⁺ + O^2-

Oxidation of Cu to Cu²⁺.