5 CH3COOH (aq) + 4 KMnO4 (aq) + 6 H2SO4 (aq) → 10 HCOOH (aq) + 4 MnSO4 (aq) + 2 K2SO4 (aq) + 6 H2O (l)
This is an oxidation-reduction (redox) reaction:
4 MnVII + 20 e- → 4 MnII (reduction)
5 C-II - 20 e- → 5 CII (oxidation)
KMnO4 is an oxidizing agent, CH3COOH is a reducing agent.
Reactants:
- CH3COOH – Acetic acid , Ethanoic acid
- Other names: Vinegar (when dilute); Hydrogen acetate; Methanecarboxylic acid , Methanecarboxylic acid , CH3-COOH
- Appearance: Colourless liquid ; Colourless liquid with pungent odour ; Colorless liquid or crystals with a sour, vinegar-like odor. [Note: Pure compound is a solid below 62°F. Often used in an aqueous solution.]
- KMnO4 – Potassium manganate(VII)
- H2SO4 – Sulfuric acid
Products:
- HCOOH – Formic acid , Methanoic acid
- Other names: Carbonous acid; Formylic acid; Hydrogen carboxylic acid; Hydroxy(oxo)methane; Metacarbonoic acid; Oxocarbinic acid; Oxomethanol , Hydrogen carboxylic acid , Aminic acid
- Appearance: Colorless fuming liquid ; Colourless fuming liquid with pungent odour ; Colorless liquid with a pungent, penetrating odor. [Note: Often used in an aqueous solution.]
- MnSO4 – Manganese(II) sulfate
- K2SO4
- H2O – Water, oxidane