Why does potassium permanganate and glycerin react? | Explanation with Chemical Equation | Properties & Uses

               HARIHAR’S LAB: - Practical Theory

A) Study an inorganic salt: - potassium permanganate (KMnO₄)

Short note: - 

➪) potassium permanganate (KMnO₄) is a strong oxidizing agent  (an oxidizing agent transfers oxygen atoms to a substrate (organic) / oxidizing agent is called an electron acceptor and the reducing agent is called an electron donor).

➧ Why is KMnO4 oxidizing agent?

Ans.~ Look at the structure of KMnO4, here we see that
oxidation state of Mn is +7. That means it lose 7 electrons.

Electronic configuration of Mn is [Ar] 3d5 4s2. So become more stable oxidation state its accept electron and acts as a oxidizing agent in a Redox reaction .

➧ Some physical characteristic of KMnO4

       Color ~ Dark purple  
       Odor ~ Odorless 
       Texture ~ Crystal 


➧ What is potassium permanganate used for?

a) Medical uses:- Potassium permanganate is used for  fungal infections of the foot, impetigo, pemphigus, superficial wounds, dermatitis, and tropical ulcers.

b) To detection double or triple bonds (-C=C- or -C≡C-) in an organic compound, causes the color to fade from purplish-pink to brown.     

c) Survival kits: - As a hypergolic fire starter (A hypergolic propellant combination used in a rocket engine. Fuels + Oxidizer).

⇒ Glycerol [C₃H₅(OH)₃] is a Hygroscopic substance .

➧ Structure:-                                                        

➧ Some Physical Properties :-

        Color~ colorless 

        Odor~ Odorless 

        Texture~ Liquid 

        Test~ Sweet 

➧ What is Glycerol or glycerin used for?

a) Many types of skin care products, like facewash, moistureing oils and many kind of soaps. ( Because it has mild antimicrobial properties)

b) Coolant of bikes and cars.
c) RBC preserved in blood bank.


B) Reaction of Potassium Permanganate and Glycerin: - (It is a redox reaction)

14KMnO₄(s) + 4C₃H₅(OH)₃(l) → 7K₂CO₃(s) + 7Mn₂O₃(s) + 5CO₂(g) + 16H₂O(g)

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➧ What happens when potassium permanganate reacts with glycerol?

»» potassium permanganate (KMnO4), a strong oxidizing agent, and glycerol (commercially known as glycerin or glycerine) (C3H5(OH)3) 

»» violet flame, which can occur because of energy emission from the electron for K+ ion.

 »»The reaction of Glycerol and Potassium Permanganate is exothermic reaction.

1) where I can get Potassium permanganate?


Ans. ~ You can get it any medicines shop.                           






2) where I can get Glycerol or Glycerin ?

Ans.~ You can also get it any medical shop. For better result used Glycerin not Glycerin contain products .                                                     


3) Is Potassium Permanganate and Glycerin experiment safe for Kids?

Ans. ~ No. Because it is an explosive reaction so I strongly recommend to kids that don't try this reaction at home .

4) In this  reaction any types of harmful or toxic products are formed ?

Ans.~ No. But Carbon-di-oxide and smoke are formed respect the amounts of reactant.

5) Can I eat Potassium Permanganate?

Ans.~ No. Its damage your digestive system .

6) Is hand gloves mandatory for this reaction ?

Ans.~ Not really, but you make sure that potassium permanganate not touch your skin. Because it can occur skin irritation and does not remove your skin easily.