How is potassium permanganate produced?

Potassium permanganate (${\text{KMnO}}_4$) is an important industrial chemical primarily used as an oxidizing agent, disinfectant, and water purifier.12

In the context of manganese processing, it is produced through a two-step process:

• Alkaline Fusion: The process begins with alkaline fusion under oxidizing conditions.1
• Electrolysis: Following the fusion stage, the material undergoes electrolysis to yield the final product.1

This compound is a dark purple salt that represents manganese in its +7 oxidation state, which is its highest and most powerfully oxidizing state.2