Chemical database: Potassium permanganate

Chemical formula KMnO4 Molar mass 158.03 g mol -1 Density 2.70 g cm -3 Melting point decomposition (~ 240 °C) Boiling point - Solubility 6.4 g in 100 mL H2O (20 °C) CAS number 7722-64-7 Hazards

Potassium permanganate is a salt that comes in form of dark purple crystals at standard conditions. KMnO₄ is soluble in water (the solution has a nice purple color). When handling KMnO₄, one should use gloves since potassium permanganate can cause skin coloration which can not be washed off. However, if that does happen, one should not worry, because in 24 to 48 hours, it should gradually fade away. KMnO₄ is a powerful oxidizing agent, and most of its use is related to the mentioned property. It is used in organic synthesis, as an oxidant in rocket engines, in pyrotechnics, in certain types of torpedoes, as a disinfectant, etc.

KMnO₄ can be bought in drugstores/pharmacies in small boxes that hold around 10 grams of this compound, for less than 1€. It can also often be bought or ordered in larger amounts (100 or 1000 grams). Of course, it can also be ordered from chemical selling companies.