If a solution of potassium manganate(VII) is placed in a test tube and a light green solution of iron(II) chloride is added to the test tube, the purple colour of the manganate(VII) ions disappears.
The manganate(VII) oxidises the iron(II) chloride to iron(III) chloride and colourless Mn2+ ions are formed.
Potassium manganate(VII) and iron(II) chloride Acidified potassium manganate(VII) is a strong oxidising agent so it can be used to oxidise substances. If a reaction occurs a colour change will be seen. Potassium manganate(VII) is deep purple and when it is reduced, it becomes colourless. Let's take a look at some reactions involving acidified potassium manganate(VII).
If a solution of potassium manganate(VII) is placed in a test tube and a light green solution of iron(II) chloride is added to the test tube, the purple colour of the manganate(VII) ions disappears.
The manganate(VII) oxidises the iron(II) chloride to iron(III) chloride and colourless Mn2+ ions are formed.
Potassium manganate(VII) and iron(II) chloride
Another example is if sulphur dioxide gas is bubbled into the purple acidified manganate(VII) solution, the manganate(VII) is decolourised showing that the manganate(VII) ions are being reduced by the sulphur dioxide gas to Mn2+ ions.
The potassium manganate(VII) is an oxidising agent.
Potassium manganate(VII) and sulphur dioxide
Another redox colour change takes place when potassium iodide, which is colourless, is oxidised by an oxidising agent to form brown iodine solution.
An example of this reaction is potassium iodide solution reacting with a solution of hydrogen