What is the oxidation number of Mn in K2MnO4?

The oxidation number of an ion is the same as its charge. We know that the oxidation number of K+ is +1 and the oxidation number of O2- is -2, but we don't know the oxidation number of Mn so let's call that x. There are 2 K+ ions which makes +2 and 4 O2- ions which makes -8 (4*-2) and in K2MnO2 we know the charge of the molecule is neutral so the overall oxidation number must be 0. Therefore +2 (K) + x (Mn) + -8 (O) = 0 which means x = +6 so the oxidation number of Mn is +6 in K2MnO4.

AC
Answered by Alex C. Chemistry tutor

52564 Views

See similar Chemistry A Level tutors

Related Chemistry A Level answers

All answers ▸

explain why the electronegativity of fluorine is greater than that chlorine


Why is phenol nitrated more readily than benzene


Describe how to test for and identify halide ions in a solution.


How do I write the full equation of a cell from two half cells? (basic, with matching electron counts and no water/acid)


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2026 by IXL Learning