5 C2H4 (g) + 8 KMnO4 (aq) + 12 H2SO4 (aq) → 10 HCOOH (aq) + 8 MnSO4 (aq) + 4 K2SO4 (aq) + 12 H2O (l)
This is an oxidation-reduction (redox) reaction:
8 MnVII + 40 e- → 8 MnII (reduction)
10 C-II - 40 e- → 10 CII (oxidation)
KMnO4 is an oxidizing agent, C2H4 is a reducing agent.
Reactants:
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