Consider the following reaction.

\[{\text{MnO}}_4^ - ({\text{aq)}} + 8{{\text{H}}^ + }{\text{(aq)}} + 5{\text{F}}{{\text{e}}^{2 + }}{\text{(aq)}} \to {\text{M}}{{\text{n}}^{2 + }}{\text{(aq)}} + 5{\text{F}}{{\text{e}}^{3 + }}{\text{(aq)}} + 4{{\text{H}}_{\text{2}}}{\text{O(l)}}\]

Which statement is correct?

A.     \({\text{MnO}}_{\text{4}}^ - \) is the oxidizing agent and it loses electrons.

B.     \({\text{MnO}}_{\text{4}}^ - \) is the reducing agent and it loses electrons.

C.     \({\text{MnO}}_{\text{4}}^ - \) is the oxidizing agent and it gains electrons.

D.     \({\text{MnO}}_{\text{4}}^ - \) is the reducing agent and it gains electrons.

C