Autocatalysis (Oxidation of oxalic acid by permanganate in acidic solution) - 01

Overall reaction: 
\( \text{5 C}_2\text{O}_4^{2-} + 2 \text{MnO}_4^- + 16 \text{H}^+ \rightarrow 10 \text{CO}_2 + 2 \text{Mn}^{2+} + 8 \text{H}_2\text{O} \)

Mechanism

Step 01: Oxidation of Oxalic Acid
\( \text{C}_2\text{O}_4^{2-} + 2 \text{H}^+ \rightarrow \text{CO}_2 + \text{CO}_2^{2-} \) (fast)

Step 02: Reaction of Oxalate with Permanganate
 \( \text{CO}_2^{2-} + \text{MnO}_4^- + 4 \text{H}^+ \rightarrow \text{CO}_2 + \text{Mn}^{2+} + 2 \text{H}_2\text{O} \) (slow)

Rate Law:
\( \text{Rate} = k[\text{MnO}_4^-][\text{H}^+]^2[\text{C}_2\text{O}_4^{2-}] \)