Potassium permanganate

Potassium permanganate is an inorganic compound with the chemical formula KMnO₄. It is a salt consisting of K⁺ and MnO₄^- ions. It is a strong oxidizing agent. The salt is also known as "permanganate of potash" and "Condy's crystals". In this salt, manganese is in the +7 oxidation state.

History

The compound was first developed in 1659 by the German chemist Johann Rudolf Glauber. It was not until 1857 that Henry Bollmann Condy began to market the compound as a disinfectant.

Properties

Potassium permanganate is a purplish-black crystalline solid, that dissolves in water to give intensely pink or purple solutions. Its melting point is 240 °C (464 °F), and it decomposes at higher temperatures.

Uses

Potassium permanganate is used for a number of skin conditions. This includes fungal infections of the foot, impetigo, pemphigus, superficial wounds, dermatitis, and tropical ulcers. It is on the World Health Organization's List of Essential Medicines, the safest and most effective medicines needed in a health system.

Safety

Potassium permanganate is a strong oxidizer and can cause burns and ulcers in concentrated form. It is harmful if swallowed and can cause severe gastrointestinal effects.

See also

• List of inorganic compounds
• Oxidizing agent
• Disinfectant

References

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