What is Potassium Permanganate Used For

In 1659, during a chemical experiment conducted by a German chemist, J.R. Glauber, potassium permanganate was first obtained by mixing minerals like pyrolusite and potassium carbonate. It is also called Condy's crystal because it was Henry Bollmann Condy (chemist), who marketed several products and patented the use of potassium salt in his solutions. It is produced from manganese dioxide for large-scale household and industrial uses. The compound is a dark-purplish crystalline solid, when it is in its purest form. It is commonly known as potassium salt, permanganic acid, and Condy's crystals. The salt can dissolve in water, acetone and sulfuric acid. The solid form melts at 240°C, and is 158.03 in molecular weight. Being a potassium salt of permanganic acid, it is a strong oxidizing agent, used as an anti-infective and an antidote for some poisons.

Uses of Potassium Permanganate

Medicinal Uses: This inorganic compound is a mild, antibacterial disinfectant. It is used in treatment of skin diseases as mild pompholyx, eczema, psoriasis and ulcers. Fungal infections like athlete's foot can also be effectively cured using this disinfectant. It is also used for medical termination of pregnancy, although it can pose a health risk for women. It is also used to bleach melanin in animal and plant tissue.

Water Treatment: Potassium permanganate's strong oxidant and disinfectant properties are used to clean drinking water, water reservoirs and pipes. It helps to reduce levels of iron and manganese in drinking water. When it is added to water, its ions convert themselves to hydroxides and iron and manganese sinks to the bottom of the water holder. It also helps to reduce the chlorination disinfection by-products in water. It is used for treating musty odors and sulfur smells from drinking water. Many water bodies like lakes and canals are treated with this antibacterial disinfectant to inhibit growth of water mollusks, like mussels, oysters, clams, scallops, etc.

Industrial and Chemical Uses: Potassium permanganate is used for industrial cleaning, bleaching and tanning. It is chemically used as a reagent in the process of producing chemical compounds (synthesis) such as ascorbic and isonicotinic acid, chloramphenicol, saccharine, etc. It is used for analyzing redox titration (volumetric analysis). It is used in titration method because it is both, a strong oxidizing and reducing agent. Titration is a process where an unknown concentration of measured amount is added to a known second solution, until the reaction between them is just complete. The concentration of the unknown solution or titer can then be calculated.

Many florists use potassium permanganate (salt) for extending the life of fresh-cut flowers. It is also added for its disinfectant properties, as they help to control algae spread in the water. Although, it is widely used, its use is highly cautioned. It is highly toxic, if swallowed and is known to cause internal bleeding and even, death. In direct contact, it can burn the skin. Therefore, it is best to use protective gloves, when handling the compound.