Manganese can have several oxidation states, ranging from +2 to +7. In potassium permanganate (KMnO$_4$), manganese has a +7 oxidation state.
1. Step 1: Understand the oxidation state of manganese in different compounds.
- KMnO$_4$: In potassium permanganate, oxygen has an oxidation state of -2, and there are 4 oxygen atoms, giving a total of -8. To balance the +1 charge of the potassium ion, the manganese must have an oxidation state of +7.
- MnO$_2$: In manganese dioxide, the oxidation state of manganese is +
4.
- MnCl$_2$: In manganese chloride, the oxidation state of manganese is +
2.
- Mn$_2$O$_3$: In manganese(III) oxide, the oxidation state of manganese is +
3.
Thus, manganese has a +7 oxidation state in KMnO$_4$.