In quantitative analysis, acidified potassium permanganate is used to titrate oxalic acid ($ ext{H}

Question

In quantitative analysis, acidified potassium permanganate is used to titrate oxalic acid ($	ext{H}_2	ext{C}_2	ext{O}_4$). During this reaction, what does the oxalic acid get oxidised to?

Professor PC Thomas Classes · Answer

Acidified $	ext{KMnO}_4$ acts as a strong oxidizing agent and oxidises oxalate ions ($	ext{C}_2	ext{O}_4^{2-}$) or oxalic acid completely to carbon dioxide ($	ext{CO}_2$), while the permanganate ion is reduced to $	ext{Mn}^{2+}$.