Describe briefly how you would show that manganese(II) ions catalyse the reaction between manganate(VII) ions and ethanedioate ions, in dilute sulphuric acid.

Mix the reagents and record the time taken for a specific observation, e.g. disappearance of colour which is characteristic for this chemical reaction. We repeat this step and add more manganese(II) ions; a shorter time will confirm catalysis for this reaction.