5 HCOOH (aq) + 2 KMnO4 (aq) + 3 H2SO4 (aq) → 2 MnSO4 (aq) + K2SO4 (aq) + 5 CO2 (g) + 8 H2O (l)
This is an oxidation-reduction (redox) reaction:
2 MnVII + 10 e- → 2 MnII (reduction)
5 CII - 10 e- → 5 CIV (oxidation)
KMnO4 is an oxidizing agent, HCOOH is a reducing agent.
This is a gas evolution reaction, CO2 is the formed gas.
Reactants:
- 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.]
- KMnO4 – Potassium manganate(VII)
- H2SO4 – Sulfuric acid
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