Question

The structure of MnO$_4^-$ ion is:

• A. square planar
• B. octahedral
• C. trigonal pyramid
• D. pyramid
• E. tetrahedral

Hint:

For metal oxyanions like MnO$_4^-$, the structure is often tetrahedral due to the repulsion between the bonded oxygen atoms.

Answer 1

Answer: (E)

Step 1: The MnO$_4^-$ ion has four oxygen atoms surrounding the central Mn atom.
Step 2: These four oxygen atoms arrange themselves in a tetrahedral geometry to minimize repulsion. 
Step 3: Therefore, the structure of MnO$_4^-$ ion is tetrahedral.