Industrial Manufacture

Potassium permanganate is made industrially by fusing together potassium hydroxide with manganese dioxide (the black insoluble substance in batteries). This forms potassium manganate which is then treated to form potassium permanganate.

Laboratory Use

Organic chemists use potassium permanganate to convert certain organic compounds into substances related to antifreeze (glycols). Analytical chemists use potassium permanganate to determine quantities of organic substances, perhaps contaminants, in samples.

Medical Application

Medicinally, dilute potassium permanganate solution is used on humans to treat certain kinds of sores. In a similar way, potassium permanganate is used to treat infections of ornamental fish such as koi.

Other Applications

The motion picture industry uses potassium permanganate to artificially "age" props. Potassium permanganate is used to measure delignification in wood pulp.

Advisory

Potassium permanganate should be carefully kept away from compounds that can burn. If the two substances accidentally intermingle, the mixture may burst into flames or even explode.

Source:

Organic Chemistry Portal; "Potassium Permanganate"

PaintPRO Archives; "Contractor Profile"

University of Florida; IFAS Extension; "Use... to Control External Infections of Ornamental Fish"

More Information:

DermNet NZ; "Potassium permanganate"