Dear student,

You can calculate the oxidation states of the central atoms by the fact that a molecule is neutral so the sum of the oxidation states of all atoms is equal to zero. If they are in their highest state then they are suitable oxidizing agents.

• KMnO4

KMnO4 has K in +1, O in -2 state, so, Mn will have 1 + Mn + 4 (-2) = 0
Mn + 1 – 8 = 0
Mn = +7, which is its maximum oxidation state.
-Iodine is in 0 oxidation state, as it is a monatomic molecule, so the oxidation states will cancel out and become 0. But it is electronegative and can gain electrons so it is an oxidizing agent.