the mn-containing products from redox reactions depend on the ph. acidic solutions of permanganate are reduced to the faintly pink mn2+ ion, as in manganese(ii) chloride. in neutral solution, permanganate is reduced to brown manganese(iv) oxide, where mn is in a +4 oxidation state. manganese(iv) oxide is the stuff that stains skin when potassium permanganate is put on it. potassium permanganate spontaneously reduces in an basic solution to green-coloured potassium manganate, where manganese is in the +6 oxidation state.