KMnO4

Q: 1. Calculate the potassium permanganate formula/chemical formula of potassium permanganate

Potassium permanganate has the chemical formula KMnO 4 .

KMnO4 - Overview, Application, Effects, Properties & Uses, FAQs

Edited By Team Careers360 | Updated on Jul 02, 2025 04:36 PM IST

KMnO₄

An inorganic compound with the chemical formula KMnO₄ compound name is or KMnO₄ chemical name potassium permanganate is composed of potassium ions and manganese ions. Despite its name, this crystallized salt shows purple when dissolved in water. The strong oxidizing properties of potassium permanganate make it a popular oxidizing agent in the chemical industry and are also used to treat dermatitis, disinfect wounds, and clean them. This medicine is in the WHO Model List of Essential Medicines, which is a list of the safest and most effective medications required by a health system. Around 30,000 tons of the product were produced globally in 2000.

This Story also Contains

KMnO4
KMnO4 Potassium permanganate uses
Treatment of water
Synthesis of the Organic Compounds
Analytical Applications
Potassium Permanganate - KMnO4 preparation
Potassium Permanganate KMnO4 Physical Properties
Permanganate Of Potassium Chemical Properties
Health Effects

KMnO₄ Potassium permanganate uses

Permanganate's oxidizing properties are exploited in almost all applications. KMnO₄ serves a wide variety of niche applications due to its strong oxidant properties and lack of toxic byproducts.

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Medical potassium permanganate uses

Several skin conditions can be treated with potassium permanganate. The foot can become infected with fungus, impetigo, pemphigus, superficial wounds, dermatitis, and tropical ulcers. World Health Organization-listed essential medicines are the safest and most effective medicines needed by a healthcare system.

Treatment of water

In the water treatment industry, potassium permanganate is widely used. A "Manganese Greensand" filter removes iron and hydrogen sulfide (rotten egg smell) from well water by utilizing this chemical. Additionally, "Pot-Perm" can be obtained at pool supply stores and is used to treat wastewater. The pink color is achieved when the chemical is used to disinfect water historically. It is now used in freshwater collections and treatment systems as a tool for controlling nuisance organisms like zebra mussels.

Synthesis of the Organic Compounds

The synthesis of organic compounds is one of the major applications of KMnO₄. It is necessary to synthesize considerable amounts of ascorbic acid, chloramphenicol, saccharin, nicotinic acid, and pyridinium acid. The presence of unsaturation is determined by using KMnO₄ in qualitative organic analysis honor of the German organic chemist Adolf von Baeyer, it is sometimes called Baeyer's reagent.

Sodium permanganate solutions are used as reagents. A positive test is also given by aldehydes and formic acid (and formats). Tests like this are outdated.

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Analytical Applications

Quantitative determination of total oxidizable organic material in aqueous samples can be accomplished with potassium permanganate. Permanganate value refers to the value determined. KMnO₄ oxidizing titrants, such as permanganate solutions, are used occasionally in analytical chemistry (permanganate).

The solution becomes a light shade of magenta as potassium permanganate is titrated, whereas it darkens as too much titrant is added. The Kappa number of wood pulp is also determined using this reagent. Oxalic acid is often used as a reduction agent for the standardization of KMnO₄ solutions. While stationary source emissions testing, KMnO₄ dilutes aqueous, acidic solutions of mercury to collect gaseous mercury from flue gas. Historically, potassium permanganate was used to bleach histology tissues.

Potassium Permanganate - KMnO₄ preparation

Sodium permanganate is typically prepared commercially by mixing sodium hydroxide and powdered manganese oxide with potash and oxidizing agents. This mixture is heated and evaporated in iron pans until a pasty consistency is achieved; then the residue is cooled.

6KOH + 3MnO₂ + 6KClO₃ → 3K₂MnO₄ + 6KCl + 3H₂O

A large amount of potassium manganate (green) is created by boiling it with water and flowing it through chlorine, CO₂, and ozonated air stream. This process creates permanganate. To prevent premature breakdown of permanganate, continuous removal of MnO₂ is carried out.

This equation is 6MnO₄ + 3Cl₂ → 6KMnO₄ (Potassium permanganate) + 6KCl

Any concentrate of MnO₂ that crystallizes and precipitates becomes dissolved in KMnO₄. The potassium permanganate crystals are centrifuged and dried.

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Potassium Permanganate KMnO₄ Physical Properties

The solid is odorless and violet to magenta in color.
Several solvents can dissolve it, including water, acetone, acetic acid, methanol, and pyridine.
Organic solvents like ethanol and chloroform dissolve it.
There are monoclinic prisms of potassium permanganate, which have a shimmering blue metallic luster.
There is no odor to it. Sweetish astringent taste is characteristic of an aqueous solution. A water-soluble compound, it dissolves even more in boiling water.

Permanganate Of Potassium Chemical Properties

Permanganate is a very potent oxidizing agent, and so it is very suitable for a wide range of chemical reactions.
Perform a redox reaction with potassium permanganate to demonstrate its oxidizing power.
A dark purple solution becomes colorless and then turns brown.
An acid medium or a basic medium may be used to perform the above reaction.

KMnO4	Potassium permanganate
Compound Name	Potassium manganate (VII)
The density of Potassium permanganate	2.703 g/cm³
Atomic Weight/Molecular Weight of Potassium permanganate	158.034 g/mol
Potassium permanganate Melting Point	240°C
Storing Temperature of Potassium permanganate	Room temperature
Oxygenation State	+7
Potassium permanganate Melting Point	240°C

Health Effects

Human eyes and skin are irritated by potassium permanganate in concentrated form. However, it is inflammable and reacts with numerous reducing agents and organic materials.

KMnO4 inhibits bacteria or tissue from producing new proteins by oxidizing them. When exposed to it, the skin or tissues become stained.

In addition, it produces destructive oxidation, which makes it impossible to use in organic matter.

The potassium permanganate antidote is efficient against barbiturates, chloral hydrate, and alkaloids. One-tenth of a percent permanganate in a stomach wash dissolves poisons and prevents them from being digested.

It is usually tightly sealed in containers that contain this compound. Potassium permanganate should be handled with great caution as on contact with readily oxidizable materials it provides an explosive reaction.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. 1. Calculate the potassium permanganate formula/chemical formula of potassium permanganate

Potassium permanganate has the chemical formula KMnO₄.

2. 2. The oxidizing agent permanganate is useful. Why?

Elemental properties become more electronegative as their oxidation states increase. In this way, permanganate functions as an oxidizing agent.

3. 3. Permanganate potassium can be used in two ways.

Potassium permanganate has two main potassium permanganate uses or KMnO₄ uses:
A variety of skin disorders can be treated with it, such as foot fungal infection
Chemical industries use it to oxidize materials.

4. 4.How does potassium permanganate look like?

The physical state of potassium permanganate is that of an odourless solid. Potassium permanganate crystals of dark purple or bronze potassium permanganate colour appear to be present. The purple potassium permanganate colour of this solution is caused by the potassium permanganate crystals being dissolved in potassium permanganate in water.

5. 5. Self-indicating KMnO4: Why is it useful?

Once the reaction is completed, the pink potassium permanganate colour of the solution under examination disappears. As a result, potassium permanganate is used as a self-indicator as it not only serves as a chemical indicator but is also the reactant of the reaction.

6. What is the significance of KMnO4 in qualitative analysis?

KMnO4 is significant in qualitative analysis due to its distinctive color changes in different reactions. It's used to identify reducing agents, unsaturated compounds, and certain functional groups in organic chemistry. The color changes of KMnO4 solutions can indicate the presence or absence of specific substances in a sample.

7. What is the importance of KMnO4 in analytical chemistry?

In analytical chemistry, KMnO4 is crucial for various quantitative and qualitative analyses. It's used in redox titrations to determine the concentration of reducing agents. Its distinct color changes make it useful as a self-indicator in these titrations. KMnO4 is also used in the analysis of organic compounds, helping to identify functional groups and degrees of unsaturation.

8. How does the reduction of KMnO4 relate to its color changes?

The reduction of KMnO4 is accompanied by distinct color changes, which depend on the extent of reduction and the pH of the solution. As KMnO4 (purple) is reduced, it can form various species: MnO42- (green), MnO2 (brown), and Mn2+ (nearly colorless). These color changes make KMnO4 useful as a visual indicator in redox reactions.

9. How does KMnO4 behave as a catalyst?

While KMnO4 is primarily known as an oxidizing agent, it can also act as a catalyst in certain reactions. For example, it catalyzes the decomposition of hydrogen peroxide into water and oxygen. In this role, the manganese in KMnO4 cycles between different oxidation states, facilitating the reaction without being consumed itself.

10. How does the pH of a solution affect the products of KMnO4 reduction?

The pH of the solution significantly affects the products of KMnO4 reduction:

11. What precautions should be taken when handling KMnO4?

When handling KMnO4, one should wear protective gloves and eyewear due to its corrosive nature. It should be kept away from combustible materials as it can cause fires when in contact with them. Inhalation of KMnO4 dust should be avoided. In case of skin contact, the affected area should be washed thoroughly with water.

12. What is the significance of KMnO4 in the treatment of skin conditions?

In dermatology, dilute KMnO4 solutions are sometimes used as an antiseptic and astringent. It can help treat certain skin conditions like eczema, fungal infections, and weeping skin lesions. Its oxidizing properties help kill microorganisms and dry out wet or oozing areas of skin. However, it's important to use only under medical supervision due to its potential to irritate skin.

13. What is the role of KMnO4 in forensic science?

In forensic science, KMnO4 is used in various applications. It can help visualize latent fingerprints on certain surfaces due to its reaction with oils in fingerprints. It's also used in the analysis of trace evidence, such as fibers or hair, where its oxidizing properties can reveal hidden characteristics. Additionally, it's used in some forensic tests for the presence of certain drugs or poisons.

14. What is KMnO4 and why is it important in chemistry?

KMnO4 is the chemical formula for potassium permanganate, a powerful oxidizing agent. It's important in chemistry due to its versatile applications in oxidation reactions, disinfection, and as a strong purple dye. Its ability to change color during reactions makes it useful as an indicator in various chemical processes.

15. How does KMnO4 interact with transition metals?

KMnO4 can oxidize many transition metals to higher oxidation states. For example, it can oxidize Fe2+ to Fe3+, Cr3+ to Cr6+, and Mn2+ to MnO2. These reactions are often accompanied by color changes, making KMnO4 useful in the qualitative analysis of transition metal ions. The exact interaction depends on the specific metal and the reaction conditions.

16. How does KMnO4 contribute to the study of redox potentials?

KMnO4 is important in the study of redox potentials due to its well-defined reduction potential. It serves as a standard reference in electrochemistry. By comparing the behavior of KMnO4 with other redox couples, scientists can determine relative strengths of oxidizing and reducing agents. This helps in predicting the feasibility and direction of redox reactions.

17. How does KMnO4 behave in non-aqueous solvents?

In non-aqueous solvents, KMnO4 can exhibit different behavior compared to aqueous solutions. Its solubility and reactivity can vary depending on the solvent. In some organic solvents, it may form different species or exhibit altered oxidizing power. Understanding these behaviors is important in organic synthesis where non-aqueous conditions are sometimes preferred.

18. How does KMnO4 contribute to the study of electron transfer processes?

KMnO4 is valuable in studying electron transfer processes due to its well-defined redox behavior. Its reduction from Mn7+ to Mn2+ involves a transfer of five electrons, making it useful for studying multi

19. What is the role of KMnO4 in the production of oxygen gas?

KMnO4 can be used to produce oxygen gas through thermal decomposition. When heated strongly, it decomposes to form potassium manganate (K2MnO4), manganese dioxide (MnO2), and oxygen gas. This reaction is sometimes used as a convenient laboratory method for small-scale oxygen production.

20. What is the role of KMnO4 in the synthesis of nanomaterials?

KMnO4 plays a role in the synthesis of certain nanomaterials. It's used in the production of graphene oxide, where it oxidizes graphite. It's also used in the synthesis of manganese oxide nanoparticles. The strong oxidizing power of KMnO4 allows for controlled oxidation processes that are crucial in creating these nanoscale materials with specific properties.

21. What is the significance of KMnO4 in the Baeyer test?

The Baeyer test uses KMnO4 to detect unsaturation (double or triple bonds) in organic compounds. When a dilute, cold KMnO4 solution is added to an unsaturated compound, the purple color of KMnO4 disappears, and a brown precipitate of MnO2 forms. This test is significant because it provides a quick and easy way to identify alkenes and alkynes in organic chemistry.

22. What is the role of KMnO4 in the oxidation of aldehydes?

KMnO4 readily oxidizes aldehydes to carboxylic acids. This reaction is often rapid and complete, making KMnO4 a useful reagent for converting aldehydes to acids in organic synthesis. The purple color of KMnO4 disappears during this reaction, providing a visual indicator of the reaction's progress. This oxidation is also used in analytical chemistry to distinguish aldehydes from ketones.

23. What is the significance of KMnO4 in the detection of double bonds in fatty acids?

KMnO4 is significant in detecting double bonds in fatty acids through a process called permanganate oxidation. When KMnO4 reacts with unsaturated fatty acids, it breaks the double bonds, forming diols or cleaving the molecule. This reaction can be used to determine the position and number of double bonds in a fatty acid molecule, which is crucial in lipid chemistry and food science.

24. How does the structure of KMnO4 contribute to its properties?

The structure of KMnO4 consists of a potassium ion (K+) and a permanganate ion (MnO4-). The permanganate ion has a tetrahedral shape with the manganese atom at the center and four oxygen atoms surrounding it. This structure, combined with manganese's high oxidation state (+7), contributes to KMnO4's strong oxidizing properties.

25. Why does KMnO4 appear purple in solution?

KMnO4 appears purple in solution due to the permanganate ion (MnO4-). This ion absorbs light in the yellow-green region of the visible spectrum and reflects purple light. The intensity of the purple color can indicate the concentration of permanganate ions in the solution.

26. How does KMnO4 behave differently in acidic, neutral, and basic solutions?

In acidic solutions, KMnO4 is reduced to Mn2+ (colorless). In neutral solutions, it forms MnO2 (brown precipitate). In basic solutions, it forms MnO42- (green). These different behaviors are due to the varying reduction potentials in different pH environments, affecting the final oxidation state of manganese.

27. How does KMnO4 act as a bleaching agent?

KMnO4 acts as a bleaching agent through its strong oxidizing properties. It can break down the chemical structures of colored compounds, particularly organic dyes, by oxidizing them into colorless or less intensely colored substances. This process effectively "bleaches" materials by removing or altering the compounds responsible for their color.

28. Why is KMnO4 considered a strong oxidizing agent?

KMnO4 is considered a strong oxidizing agent due to the high oxidation state of manganese (+7) in the permanganate ion. This allows it to readily accept electrons from other substances, reducing itself while oxidizing the other substance. Its strong oxidizing power makes it effective in various chemical reactions and practical applications.

29. What is the relationship between the concentration of KMnO4 and its reactivity?

Generally, increasing the concentration of KMnO4 increases its reactivity. Higher concentrations provide more permanganate ions available for reaction, leading to faster and more complete oxidation. However, very high concentrations can sometimes lead to side reactions or precipitation, potentially complicating the desired reaction.

30. How does KMnO4 contribute to the study of reaction kinetics?

KMnO4 is useful in studying reaction kinetics due to its intense color. As KMnO4 is consumed in a reaction, its purple color fades, allowing for easy monitoring of reaction progress using spectrophotometry. This property makes it valuable for studying the rates of various redox reactions and for demonstrating principles of chemical kinetics in educational settings.

31. How does temperature affect the oxidizing power of KMnO4?

Temperature generally increases the oxidizing power of KMnO4. At higher temperatures, the kinetic energy of particles increases, leading to more frequent and energetic collisions between KMnO4 and the substance being oxidized. This results in faster and more complete oxidation reactions. However, very high temperatures can decompose KMnO4, affecting its effectiveness.

32. How does KMnO4 behave in photochemical reactions?

KMnO4 can participate in photochemical reactions when exposed to light. Under certain conditions, light can cause the reduction of permanganate to lower oxidation state manganese compounds. This photosensitivity is why KMnO4 solutions are often stored in dark bottles. In some cases, this photochemical behavior is exploited for specific reactions or analyses.

33. How does KMnO4 compare to other common oxidizing agents?

KMnO4 is one of the strongest oxidizing agents commonly used in laboratories. It's generally stronger than hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and potassium dichromate (K2Cr2O7). However, it's weaker than some fluorine compounds like potassium permanganate (KMnO4). The choice of oxidizing agent often depends on the specific reaction requirements, including pH, temperature, and the substance being oxidized.

34. How does KMnO4 contribute to the synthesis of organic compounds?

KMnO4 plays a crucial role in organic synthesis as a strong oxidizing agent. It's used to introduce oxygen-containing functional groups into organic molecules. For example, it can convert alkenes to diols or cleave them to form ketones or carboxylic acids. It's also used to oxidize alcohols and aldehydes to higher oxidation state compounds. These transformations are fundamental in creating more complex organic molecules.

35. How is KMnO4 used in organic chemistry?

In organic chemistry, KMnO4 is used for various oxidation reactions. It can oxidize alkenes to diols or ketones/carboxylic acids, depending on the conditions. It's also used to oxidize alcohols to aldehydes, ketones, or carboxylic acids. In dilute, cold solutions, it can be used to test for unsaturation in organic compounds.

36. What is the significance of KMnO4 in the oxidation of alkenes?

KMnO4 is significant in alkene oxidation due to its ability to break carbon-carbon double bonds. In cold, dilute conditions, it forms vicinal diols (two OH groups on adjacent carbons). In hot or concentrated conditions, it cleaves the double bond, forming ketones or carboxylic acids. This reaction is crucial in organic synthesis and in tests for unsaturation like the Baeyer test.

37. How does KMnO4 interact with organic compounds?

KMnO4 interacts with organic compounds primarily through oxidation reactions. It can oxidize alkenes to form diols or cleave them to form ketones or carboxylic acids. It oxidizes alcohols to aldehydes, ketones, or carboxylic acids depending on the conditions. KMnO4 can also oxidize aldehydes to carboxylic acids and aromatic side chains to carboxylic acids.

38. What is the role of KMnO4 in the oxidation of alcohols?

KMnO4 oxidizes alcohols to different products depending on the type of alcohol and reaction conditions:

39. What is the role of KMnO4 in water treatment?

KMnO4 is used in water treatment as a powerful oxidizing agent and disinfectant. It can remove iron and manganese from water by oxidizing them to insoluble forms, eliminate odors by oxidizing organic compounds, and kill harmful microorganisms. Its effectiveness and the fact that it doesn't produce harmful byproducts make it a popular choice for water purification.

40. What is the significance of KMnO4 in environmental chemistry?

In environmental chemistry, KMnO4 is significant for its role in water and wastewater treatment. It's used to remove contaminants like iron, manganese, and hydrogen sulfide from water. It also helps in breaking down organic pollutants and eliminating harmful microorganisms. Its effectiveness and relatively low environmental impact make it a valuable tool in environmental remediation.

41. How does KMnO4 interact with inorganic compounds?

KMnO4 can oxidize many inorganic compounds. It can oxidize metal ions to higher oxidation states, convert sulfites to sulfates, and oxidize nitrites to nitrates. In water treatment, it oxidizes iron and manganese compounds to form insoluble precipitates that can be easily removed. The exact interaction depends on the specific inorganic compound and the reaction conditions.

42. How does KMnO4 contribute to the determination of Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD)?

KMnO4 is used in one method for determining Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD), a measure of the amount of organic compounds in water. In this method, KMnO4 oxidizes organic matter in a water sample under standardized conditions. The amount of KMnO4 consumed in this process is related to the amount of organic matter present, allowing for the calculation of COD.

43. What is the role of KMnO4 in the oxidation of aromatic compounds?

KMnO4 can oxidize various aromatic compounds, often in ways that differ from aliphatic compounds. It can oxidize alkyl side chains on aromatic rings to carboxylic acids. Under harsh conditions, it can break aromatic rings. These reactions are important in organic synthesis and in the degradation of aromatic pollutants in environmental remediation.