Potassium permanganate, with its powerful oxidizing properties, has a wide range of applications, from medicine to chemical manufacturing. This article explores the various uses of potassium permanganate and provides insights into its benefits and safety precautions.
Uses of Potassium Permanganate in Medicine
Potassium permanganate has been a staple in medicine since the 1800s and is listed on the World Health Organization’s List of Essential Medicines. It is commonly used to treat several skin conditions, including:
- Fungal foot infections
- Impetigo
- Pemphigus
- Superficial wounds
- Dermatitis
- Tropical ulcers
For skin conditions, potassium permanganate can be used alone as a solution or combined with other substances. It is especially effective in treating skin diseases that produce a lot of liquid. A common method is applying a dressing soaked in a potassium permanganate solution to the affected area or using it as a bath.
Potassium Permanganate in Water Treatment
The water treatment industry uses potassium permanganate to remove dissolved iron and hydrogen sulfide from water in wells, eliminating unpleasant odors. This is achieved through a “Manganese Greensand” filter. Potassium permanganate is also employed to control the proliferation of freshwater organisms in water collection and treatment facilities.
Organic Compound Synthesis
Potassium permanganate is crucial in the synthesis of various organic compounds in chemical manufacturing and pharmaceuticals. Some notable compounds include:
- Ascorbic acid (Vitamin C): An antioxidant added to drinks.
- Chloramphenicol: An antibiotic for infections like conjunctivitis and cholera.
- Saccharin: An artificial sweetener for diabetic patients.
- Isonicotinic acid: An isomer of nicotinic acid (Vitamin B3).
- Pyrazinoic acid: Used to treat tuberculosis, especially resistant strains.
Laboratory Analysis
As a strong oxidizing agent, potassium permanganate is vital in analytical chemistry. It can be used to determine the total amount of organic material that can be oxidized in an aqueous solution, known as the permanganate value, which helps establish the level of organic pollution in water bodies.
Preserving Fruits
Potassium permanganate can absorb and oxidize ethylene, a gas that accelerates fruit ripening. By slowing down the ripening process, potassium permanganate extends the shelf life of fruits up to four weeks without refrigeration.
What Does Potassium Permanganate Do?
The wide-ranging applications of potassium permanganate are primarily due to its strong oxidizing properties. Its ability to oxidize organic substances, including microorganisms, makes it an effective antiseptic, disinfectant, and reagent in organic compound synthesis and analytical chemistry.
Is Potassium Permanganate Harmful?
At higher concentrations, potassium permanganate can irritate the skin and leave long-lasting stains. Its strong oxidizing nature can damage living cells by breaking down molecular bonds. Ingesting potassium permanganate can cause severe damage to the gastrointestinal tract and may lead to bleeding. The lethal dose for an adult human is approximately 10 grams.
Preparing Potassium Permanganate Solution
The preparation of a potassium permanganate solution depends on its intended use. Here’s an example of preparing a 0.02 M aqueous solution:
- Dissolve 3.2 grams of potassium permanganate in 1 liter of distilled water.
- Heat in a water bath for one hour.
- Allow the solution to settle for two days.
- Filter through glass wool.
- Standardize the solution.
Can I Buy Potassium Permanganate Over the Counter?
Potassium permanganate is available over the counter in pharmacies, often sold as a fungicidal product in tablet form that can be dissolved in water for bathing. It is also available online from reputable chemical manufacturers, typically requiring business credentials for bulk purchases.
Potassium Permanganate MSDS
For more detailed information on potassium permanganate, including safe handling and first aid measures, download our Material Safety Data Sheet. Learn how to manage exposure through skin contact, eye contact, inhalation, or ingestion.