What is the oxidation number of manganese in the deep purple permanganate ion (MnO4-)?

Answer and explanation

Correct answer: C. +7 oxidation state pathway

In MnO4-, each oxygen atom has an oxidation number of -2 (total -8). Because the overall charge of the polyatomic ion is -1, manganese must be in the +7 oxidation state: x + 4(-2) = -1 => x = +7.

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