P

Potassium permanganate

IUPAC: potassium permanganate

KMnO4 Salts CAS 7722-64-7
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Quick Reference
Formula / NotationKMnO4
CAS Number7722-64-7
Molecular Weight158.034
Melting Pointgreater than 464 °F (USCG, 1999)
Density2.7 at 59 °F (USCG, 1999) - Denser than water; will sink
SolubilitySoluble in many organic solvents; also by concentrated acids with the liberation of oxygen.
AppearancePotassium permanganate appears as a purplish colored crystalline solid. Noncombustible but accelerates the burning of combustible material. If the combustible material is finely divided the mixture...
Also Known As7722-64-7; Chameleon mineral; Condy's crystals; Permanganate of potash; Argucide; Cairox; Walko Tablets; Insta-perm; Algae-K; Solo San Soo
CategorySalts

What is Potassium permanganate?

Potassium permanganate is an inorganic potassium salt of permanganic acid. It has a role as a NMR chemical shift reference compound, an antiseptic drug, a disinfectant, a dermatologic drug and an oxidising agent. It contains a permanganate.

Formula & Notation

KMnO4

IUPAC Name: potassium permanganate

Other Names / Synonyms: 7722-64-7; Chameleon mineral; Condy's crystals; Permanganate of potash; Argucide; Cairox; Walko Tablets; Insta-perm; Algae-K; Solo San Soo

Properties & Characteristics

Appearance: Potassium permanganate appears as a purplish colored crystalline solid. Noncombustible but accelerates the burning of combustible material. If the combustible material is finely divided the mixture.... Molecular formula: KMnO4. Molecular weight: 158.034 g/mol. Melting point: greater than 464 °F (USCG, 1999). Density: 2.7 at 59 °F (USCG, 1999) - Denser than water; will sink. Solubility: Soluble in many organic solvents; also by concentrated acids with the liberation of oxygen.. Vapor pressure: Vapor pressure at 20 °C: negligible.

Physical Data

PropertyValue
Melting Pointgreater than 464 °F (USCG, 1999)
Density2.7 at 59 °F (USCG, 1999) - Denser than water; will sink
Molecular Weight158.034
SolubilitySoluble in many organic solvents; also by concentrated acids with the liberation of oxygen.
AppearancePotassium permanganate appears as a purplish colored crystalline solid. Noncombustible but accelerates the burning of combustible material. If the combustible material is finely divided the mixture...

Uses & Applications

Used in food preservation, water treatment, chemical synthesis, fertilizers, and pharmaceutical applications.

Safety Information

Irritant or toxic depending on specific salt. Some salts are oxidising agents or toxic to aquatic environments. Consult SDS before use.

Always consult the SDS/MSDS before handling any chemical. This information is for educational purposes only.

Key Facts

Term Potassium permanganate
Formula KMnO4
CAS Number 7722-64-7
Molecular Weight 158.034
Category Salts
Synonyms 7722-64-7; Chameleon mineral; Condy's crystals; Permanganate of potash; Argucide; Cairox; Walko Tablets; Insta-perm; Algae-K; Solo San Soo

Frequently Asked Questions

Potassium permanganate is an inorganic potassium salt of permanganic acid. It has a role as a NMR chemical shift reference compound, an antiseptic drug, a disinfectant, a dermatologic drug and an oxidising agent. It contains a permanganate.

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Editorial standards: Chemical data is sourced from peer-reviewed literature, CAS Registry, NIST WebBook, and PubChem. Safety information reflects guidance from OSHA, ECHA, and IAEA. For educational purposes only — always consult official SDS documentation and qualified professionals before handling chemicals.