Question

What will be the difference in the reaction if we use alkaline potassium permanganate instead of acidified potassium permanganate?

Answer 1

Dear Student,
Potassium permanganate is used as oxidizing agent so-

Equation for reduction of KMnO4 in acidic medium:
8H⁺ + MnO4^​- + 5e^- → Mn²⁺ + 4H2O

In neutral medium:
2H2O + MnO^-4^​ + 3e^​- → MnO2 + 4OH^​-

In basic medium:
MnO4^​- + e^- → MnO4^​2-

Therefore oxidizing effect of KMnO4 is maximum in acidic medium and least in basic medium .
As in case of acidic medium the reduction in oxidation state of Mn is maximum but it is minimum in basic medium.

Hence,
With acidic medium it works as strong oxidizing agent and in basic medium it works as very mild oxidizing agent.

Regards