What is the balanced net ionic equation for the reaction in acidic solution of #Fe^(2+)# and #KMnO_4#?

1 Answer
Nov 19, 2017

#5Fe^(+2)# + #MnO_4^(-) + 8H^+# => #Mn^(+2) + 5Fe^(+3) + 4H_2O#

Explanation:

Potassium is a spectator ion so assume the following reaction ...

#Fe^(+2) + MnO_4^-# => #Mn^(+2) + Fe^(+3)#

Oxidation Half Rxn: #Fe^(+2)# => #Fe^(+3) + e^-#
Reduction Half Rxn: #MnO_4^-# + #5e^-# => #Mn^(+2)#

Balancing with respect to charge transfer ...
#5Fe^(+2) # =>#5Fe^(+3) + 5e^-#
#MnO_4^-# + #5e^ -# => #Mn^(+2)#

Balancing with respect to mass ... (Rxn in acidic medium, add one water for each oxygen needed to the side needing oxygen and follow with the appropriate number of #H^+# needed to the side needing hydrogen.

#5Fe^(+2)# + #MnO_4^(-) + 8H^+# => #Mn^(+2) + 5Fe^(+3) + 4H_2O#