KMnO₄ is strong oxidizing agent which is reduced and oxidizes Au according to the two-half reactions:
The oxidation reaction: Au → Au³⁺ + 3e.
The reduction reaction: MnO₄⁻ + 8H⁺ + 5e → Mn²⁺ + 4H₂O.
To obtain the net redox reaction, we multiply the oxidation reaction by 5 and the reduction reaction by 5 to equalize the no. of electrons in the two-half reactions.