Question

$MnO _{4}^{-}$is of intense pink colour, though $Mn$ is in $+7$ oxidation state. It is due to

• A. oxygen gives colour to it
• B. charge transfer when Mn gives its electron to oxygen
• C. charge transfer when oxygen gives its electron to Mn making it Mn ( +VI)
• D. presence of unpaired electrons

Answer 1

Answer: (C)

Although in $MnO _{4}^{-}$, the oxidation state of $Mn$ is $+7$, ie, it contains no unpaired electrons, yet it is coloured. This is because oxygen gives its one electron to $Mn$ and converts it into $Mn ( VI )$, which is coloured. Thus, the colour of $MnO _{4}^{-}$is due to charge transfer.