Commercially , `KMnO_4` is prepared by

Options

A. alkaline oxidative fusion of `MnO_2`
B. the electrolytic oxidation of manganate (VI)
C. (1) followed by (2)
D. (2) followed by (1)

Answer

To prepare potassium permanganate (KMnO₄) commercially, the following steps are involved:

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Fusing Manganese Dioxide (MnO₂) with Potassium Hydroxide (KOH)**:
- The process begins by taking manganese dioxide (MnO₂) and fusing it with potassium hydroxide (KOH) at high temperatures. This reaction forms potassium manganate (K₂MnO₄).

2. **Oxidation of Potassium Manganate**:
- The potassium manganate (K₂MnO₄) produced is then oxidized further. This is typically done by exposing it to air and potassium nitrate (KNO₃). The oxidation process converts potassium manganate into potassium permanganate (KMnO₄).

3. **Electrolytic Oxidation**:
- The potassium manganate (K₂MnO₄) can also undergo electrolytic oxidation in an alkaline solution. This step is crucial as it helps in converting manganate ions (MnO₄²⁻) into permanganate ions (MnO₄⁻).

4. **Final Product**:
- The final product of this process is potassium permanganate (KMnO₄), which is a deep purple compound widely used in various applications, including as an oxidizing agent in chemical reactions.

### Conclusion:
Thus, the commercial preparation of KMnO₄ involves the fusion of MnO₂ with KOH, followed by oxidation to form KMnO₄.

### Answer:
The correct answer is that KMnO₄ is prepared commercially by the alkaline oxidative fusion of MnO₂ followed by electrolytic oxidation of manganate ions.

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