Potassium permanganate: characteristics and uses

In nature we can find a large number of substances and elements, which interact with each other continuously. This interaction often involves some kind of chemical reaction, something that happens even if we don't see it with the naked eye.

One of the best known and most common chemical reactions in nature is oxidation, which occurs when an element begins to lose electrons due to its interaction with oxygen. This reaction is linked to processes such as aging and cellular deterioration, but nevertheless it is very relevant and very useful in different areas of our life or society. And it is even often sought to generate compounds with great oxidative power. An example of this is potassium permanganate, about which we are going to talk throughout this article.

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What is potassium permanganate?

It is known as potassium permanganate a a chemical compound made up of a combination of potassium and permanganate ions, with a certain proportion and structure (its formula is KMnO4, which is equivalent to a combination of one atom of potassium, another of manganese and four of oxygen).

Violet or deep purple in color (mainly due to permanganate, although as it dissolves in increasing amounts of solvent it may change color and even lose it completely), it is a compound that does not start from carbon, so it would be classified as inorganic.

Also known as Condy crystals or chameleon minerals, potassium permanganate is a highly valued product in various fields and has many possible applications, especially as it is a very powerful oxidizing agent. It can be found on the market in both liquid and solid form, and it dissolves easily in both water, alcohol or acetone (among others). It is a product that is not flammable per se but is extremely corrosive, in addition to can generate violent and even explosive incendiary reactions if mixed with certain substances.

Some of its main applications

This compound is highly appreciated in different fields and activities, possessing, due to its high oxidative power, a series of properties that make it a very useful product. Among the functions and applications for which potassium permanganate is used, we can highlight the following.

Water treatment

A d1. e most interesting and common applications of potassium permanganate is the purification of large bodies of water, helping to eliminate bacteria and favoring the improvement of water quality. It is used, for example, in water pipes and drains, and also in water purification.

2. Preservation and disinfection of some foods

Another use of potassium permanganate is related to the food sector. Specifically, It is used to prevent the oxidation of fruits such as bananas and to help their preservation even in the absence of refrigeration. In some regions it is also used in a diluted form to wash some foods, due to its antiseptic action.

3. Industrial use

Potassium permanganate also has applications in industry or chemical research, allowing the transformation of matter through oxidation processes in such a way that it allows to obtain different types of compounds and reagents.

4. Photography

Although today it is an application that no longer exists, in the past potassium permanganate was used together with other components in photography, allowing the chemical reaction resulting from its mixing to use the first flashes.

Medical and veterinary uses

Potassium permanganate, in addition to the above applications, also has a number of relevant clinical applications. Now, since the high oxidative power of this compound makes it have a great toxic and abrasive potential, it can only be used at a medical or veterinary level. when it is completely dissolved in large amounts (at least in proportion to the amount of potassium permanganate) in water or other substance. In fact, in general, that of medical use is in a proportion 1/10000.

The indications for this type of solution are usually limited to topical use, being a powerful antiseptic in different skin problems (such as dermatitis), some ulcers or fungal infections of the skin (it is common in the feet). It is also used to relieve callus pain, and sometimes even to treat hemorrhoids (in this case, a medical professional should always be consulted in advance). Sometimes it is also used as a mouthwash.

It also has astringent properties (that is, it causes the tissues to shrink and dry them out), which is why it is sometimes used in superficial wounds or skin disorders that cause suppuration. Sometimes it can be used to treat poisonings or intoxications, being used in some gastric lavages caused for example by snake bites or white phosphorus. In addition, it is used to treat hyperhidrosis or excessive sweating of different parts of the body.

It also has veterinary uses, generally to treat skin and / or fungal infections in animals such as fish.

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Risks, side effects and contraindications

Potassium permanganate is useful in different areas, but the truth is that it is a very dangerous compound if not used with the caution it deserves. Not surprisingly, it is as we have said very oxidizing and even corrosive, so it should not be handled with bare skin.

Its danger increases to a great extent if it is ingested, being able to manifest great toxicity and even being able to cause death if consumption is given in sufficient quantity. In this sense, it can cause severe respiratory problems and even internal bleeding. Its vapors can also cause irritation and inflammation in the respiratory tract.

Regarding the diluted version for medical use, accidental ingestion can cause nausea and intestinal problems, liver or kidney problems, cardiovascular depression or edema. Likewise, in its topical use it can cause irritations, burns and even ulcers. It should be noted that it should not be applied during pregnancy or lactation unless recommended by a doctor, and neither should those with kidney disease or extensive injury or problems or with ulcers.

Bibliographic references

• Central University Hospital of Asturias. (2003), Drug: Potassium Permanganate Sol. Topical 1/10000. Oviedo, Spain.