What makes Permanganate such a good oxidizing agent?
That's like asking why cheese is yellow? Permanganate is a good oxidizing agent because it is easily reduced but that hardly seems an answer to me.
http://chemed.chem.purdue.edu/genchem/topicreview/bp/ch19/oxred_3.php
Permanganate ion (MnO4-) is a powerful oxidizing agent due to its ability to easily gain and accept electrons from other substances during a redox reaction. This property stems from several factors:
1. High oxidation state: In permanganate, manganese is in its highest oxidation state (+7). Elements in higher oxidation states have a greater affinity for electrons, making them more effective at accepting electrons from other species.
2. Large size: The permanganate ion is relatively large, which allows it to accommodate and stabilize a larger number of electrons. This contributes to its high oxidizing ability as it can easily accept multiple electrons during a reaction.
3. Stable compound: Permanganate is a stable compound, which means it does not easily decompose or react with other substances outside of a redox reaction. The stability of permanganate allows it to function as a reliable and efficient oxidizing agent.
To determine why permanganate is a good oxidizing agent, you can refer to its chemical properties, such as its high oxidation state, large size, and compound stability. These factors indicate its ability to effectively accept electrons, making it a powerful oxidizing agent.