Why Potassium Permanganate Is a Good Oxidizing Agent

Potassium permanganate is a powerful oxidizing agent.

Potassium permanganate, also known as potassium manganate (VII), is written as the chemical formula KMnO4. It takes the form of dark purple crystals and has several uses in chemistry and in the home. Its strong oxidizing capabilities are the reason for many of its uses.

Oxidizing Agent

Potassium permanganate is used in organic chemistry in the form of an alkaline or neutral solution. Oxidation involves the gain of oxygen and an oxidizing agent is a chemical that oxidizes something else. The permanganate in potassium permanganate has the anion MnO4- that is the reason for its strong oxidizing properties.

Uses

Potassium permanganate is used as a disinfectant and an antiseptic. Its oxidation properties enable it to "consume" organic matter. This includes bacteria, fungus and parasites. It is used in aquaculture to treat fish, as well as in the plumbing industry and in water conditioning systems.

Color Change

In water, potassium permanganate changes from a pinkish-purple color to a yellowish-brown as it oxidizes organic matter.

References

• University of Florida IFAS Extension: Use of Potassium Permanganate to Control External Infections of Ornamental Fish
• Chemical Land 21: Potassium Permanganate
• Chemguide: Manganese