Potassium permanganate
Molar mass: 158.03 g/mol · Class: Strong oxidizing salt
Elements: potassium, manganese, oxygen
Structure
The solid is an ionic lattice of K+ ions and tetrahedral MnO4- ions. In solution the purple permanganate ion oxidizes many substances, itself being reduced to brown manganese dioxide or colorless Mn2+.
Properties
Deep purple crystals; intensely purple solutions
Strong oxidizing agent
Stains skin and fabrics brown
Decomposes in light and with organic matter
Applications
Water disinfection in wells and aquariums
Redox titrations in analytical chemistry
Organic synthesis oxidations
Strong oxidizer: keep away from flammable materials, glycerin, and concentrated acids; mixtures can ignite. Harmful if swallowed; stains and irritates skin. Store dark, dry, and locked away from children.
Data source: IUPAC standard atomic weights 2021; molar mass computed from KMnO4