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Permanganate

physical science Maturity 11-13 Next article →

Permanganate is a very special chemical compound. It contains a part called the manganate(VII) ion. This ion has a shape called a tetrahedron.

PermanganateMechanismOxidation
PermanganateMechanismOxidation

Because the manganese atom has a +7 oxidation state, it is a strong oxidizer. An oxidizer is a substance that causes changes in other things. This makes it very useful for many jobs. It is also known for its deep purple color.

Potassium permanganate solutions 2
Potassium permanganate solutions 2

There are many ways to make these compounds. One way is to use strong oxidizers on manganese chloride or manganese sulfate. You might use sodium hypochlorite or lead dioxide for this.

PermanganateMechanismOxidation
PermanganateMechanismOxidation

Another way is through a process called disproportionation. In this way, manganates turn into permanganate and manganese dioxide. Companies also make them by using electricity or air. They do this with alkaline solutions of manganate salts.

Scientists have studied how these chemicals act for a long time. They use them in a special kind of testing called permanganometry. This is a way to study redox reactions. A redox reaction is a type of chemical change. These compounds are also used to study organic compounds. They can change things like alcohols or amines into new forms. This helps scientists build different types of matter.

Permanganate can change color depending on what it touches. In an acidic solution, it turns into a pale pink color. This is called manganese(II). In a basic or alkaline solution, it turns into a green manganate ion.

Permanganate spectrum
Permanganate spectrum

If the liquid is neutral, it turns into brown manganese dioxide. Heat can also change it. If it reaches 230 °C, it breaks apart. This releases oxygen gas and leaves behind manganese dioxide.

Many different types of permanganate exist. You can find ammonium, barium, calcium, lithium, sodium, or silver permanganate.

Potassium permanganate solutions 2
Potassium permanganate solutions 2

These are used as strong disinfectants to clean baths and toilets. They are also used to treat water in fish farms. However, we must be very careful with them. Swallowing even a small amount can be fatal. It can cause serious harm to the throat, liver, and kidneys.

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File:Potassium permanganate solutions 2.JPG
Potassium permanganate solutions 2.JPG
File:Permanganate spectrum.png
Permanganate spectrum.png
File:PermanganateMechanismOxidation.svg
PermanganateMechanismOxidation.svg
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