Permanganate

Permanganat-Ion2

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Potassium permanganate solutions 2

Permanganate spectrum.png

PermanganateMechanismOxidation

Permanganate is a chemical compound that contains the permanganate ion, MnO4−. Permanganates are salts of permanganic acid and are characterized by their deep purple color. They are powerful oxidizing agents and are used in various chemical reactions and industrial processes.

Chemical Properties

The permanganate ion is a strong oxidizer and can accept electrons from other substances. This property makes permanganates useful in a variety of applications, including water treatment, organic chemistry, and analytical chemistry. The oxidation state of manganese in the permanganate ion is +7.

Common Permanganates

The most commonly encountered permanganate is potassium permanganate (KMnO4). Other notable permanganates include sodium permanganate (NaMnO4) and calcium permanganate (Ca(MnO4)2).

Potassium Permanganate

Potassium permanganate is widely used in medicine, disinfection, and water treatment. It is also used in organic synthesis as an oxidizing agent.

Sodium Permanganate

Sodium permanganate is similar to potassium permanganate but is more soluble in water. It is used in similar applications, including chemical synthesis and environmental remediation.

Applications

Permanganates are used in a variety of applications due to their strong oxidizing properties.

Water Treatment

In water treatment, permanganates are used to remove iron and manganese from drinking water. They are also used to control taste and odor problems and to remove organic contaminants.

Medicine

In medicine, potassium permanganate is used as a topical antiseptic and for treating skin conditions such as dermatitis and fungal infections.

Organic Chemistry

In organic chemistry, permanganates are used to oxidize alkenes to diols, alcohols to carboxylic acids, and other functional group transformations.

Safety and Handling

Permanganates are strong oxidizers and should be handled with care. They can cause burns and are harmful if ingested. Proper personal protective equipment (PPE) such as gloves and goggles should be worn when handling permanganates.

See Also

• Manganese
• Oxidizing agent
• Redox reaction
• Potassium permanganate
• Sodium permanganate