potassium permanganate

chemical compound

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July 1, 2026

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Potassium permanganate is a chemical compound with the formula KMnO₄. It appears as a dark purple salt.

This compound is known for its use as an oxidizer and disinfectant. It is produced through a process involving alkaline fusion under oxidizing conditions, followed by electrolysis. Potassium manganate (K₂MnO₄) is an unstable green salt that can be readily converted into potassium permanganate.12

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carboxylic acid
Oxidation
…common being chromic acid (H₂CrO₄), potassium permanganate (KMnO₄), and nitric acid (HNO₃). Aldehydes are oxidized to carboxylic acids more easily (by many oxidizing agents), but this is not often useful, because the aldehydes are usually less available than the corresponding acids. Also important is the oxidation of alkyl side chains…
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…common being chromic acid (H₂CrO₄), potassium permanganate (KMnO₄), and nitric acid (HNO₃). Aldehydes are oxidized to carboxylic acids more easily (by many oxidizing agents), but this is not often useful, because the aldehydes are usually less available than the corresponding acids. Also important is the oxidation of alkyl side chains…
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equivalent weight
Thus, potassium permanganate reacting by double decomposition has an equivalent weight equal to its gram molecular weight, 158.038/1 g; as an oxidizing agent under different circumstances it may be reduced to the manganate ion (MnO₄²⁻), to manganese dioxide (MnO₂), or to the manganous ion (Mn²⁺), with…
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Thus, potassium permanganate reacting by double decomposition has an equivalent weight equal to its gram molecular weight, 158.038/1 g; as an oxidizing agent under different circumstances it may be reduced to the manganate ion (MnO₄²⁻), to manganese dioxide (MnO₂), or to the manganous ion (Mn²⁺), with…
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manganese
Compounds
The deep-purple compound potassium permanganate (KMnO₄) has many uses, most notably as a disinfectant, water purifier, and antiseptic.
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The deep-purple compound potassium permanganate (KMnO₄) has many uses, most notably as a disinfectant, water purifier, and antiseptic.
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