In acidic medium, permanganate acts as a strong oxidising agent because of the reaction 8H++5e−+MnO4− → Mn2++4H2O Thus, 5 electrons involved in acidic medium reaction. In neutral medium, permanganate acts as a moderate oxidising agent because of the reaction 2H2O+3e−+MnO4− → MnO2+4OH− Thus, 3 electrons involved in neutral medium reaction. In alkaline medium, potassium permanganate acts in a similar way as in neutral medium. 2H2O+3e−+MnO4− → MnO2+4OH− Thus, 3 electrons involved in alkaline medium reaction.