Why Potassium Permanganate is a Strong Oxidizing Agent Potassium permanganate (KMnO₄) is a strong oxidizing agent because: 1. Manganese (Mn) has a high oxidation state (+7) in KMnO₄, which allows it to readily accept electrons and reduce its oxidation state. 2. KMnO₄ can easily donate oxygen atoms or accept electrons, making it a powerful oxidizer. This property makes KMnO₄ useful for various applications, including: 1. Water treatment (oxidizing organic pollutants) 2. Laboratory reactions (oxidizing agents in titrations) KMnO₄'s strong oxidizing ability allows it to react with a wide range of substances, making it a versatile and effective reagent.