The germ fighter

                   The germ fighter

Potassium permanganate is a strong oxidising agent when it is dissolved in water.

KMnO₄+H₂O→K⁺ +OH^- + O*

The oxygen free radical is a powerful toxin, and kills of bacteria and fungi. That’s why potassium permanganate is used to clean not only wells, but also fish tanks, water storage tanks, water pipes etc.

We can use a dilute solution of KMnO₄ (which is pinkish red in colour) to treat mild skin infections, bruises, sores etc...

But never use it on cuts or deeper wounds. If you keep an aquarium, we can use a very mild solution to keep our fishes free from bacteria.

It is used in laboratories, poultry farms and hospital wards as a fumigation agent to kill fungi. During fumigation, the cleaner puts one gram of potassium permanganate in an earthen dish, and then pours two ml of formaldehyde over it. He then runs away as fast as he can and shuts the door of the room. As a violent reaction happens, formaldehyde gas spreads across the room, killing everything.

Dip anything in potassium permanganate solution, and it will look as if it was a hundred years old. This trick is used in movies like “Indiana Jones”, where the hero goes looking for ancient treasures. Try this out at home, but carefully!

The super chemical

Potassium Permanganate is an important reagent used to manufacture of many important organic chemicals. These include ascorbic acid (Vitamin C), chloramphenicol (an antibiotic) and saccharine (sweetening agent).

Sometimes, soldiers are given small amounts of potassium permanganate and glycerine. When they are in a place where they need a quick fire, they mix the two, and they get a fire going. This fire may be very explosive, so don’t try this at home or in the lab. A mix of KMnO₄ and hydrogen peroxide is used as a propellant for torpedoes.

 

The manganese oxide (MnO₂) left behind by potassium permanganate reaction is deep brown in colour and leaves permanent stains. If your clothes have been stained, you can apply some vinegar over the stain and leave it for 2 days. The acetic acid in the vinegar will dissolve the oxide, and the colour will fade...

 

                                                                                    -SANNIDHI HEGDE

                                                                                     2012- B.Sc.2^nd