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Potassium Manganese & Glycerin

Jan 15, 2012 | By Jean Bardot
Potassium Manganese & Glycerin
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Potassium permanganate is a compound formed by the chemical combination of potassium, manganese and glycerin, resulting in an oxidizing agent. Because it doesn't generate toxic byproducts during the oxidation process, potassium permanganate has a variety of niche uses, according to Ullmann's Encyclopedia of Industrial Chemistry, such as a colorant for "antiquing" photos, a disinfectant for water treatment, a preservative and a wash used for the treatment of gonorrhea and candida.

Water Treatment

Potassium permanganate removes iron and hydrogen sulfide from well water, acting as a disinfectant. Hydrogen sulfide imparts a rotten egg odor, giving some water an offensive smell. It is also used for the treatment of wastewater and to disinfect drinking water. In addition, it controls the growth of nuisance organisms, such as zebra mussels, in water treatment centers.

Bleaching Agent

Potassium permanganate is employed to lighten melanin -- a natural skin coloration -- which may obscure diseased tissue. In particular, its use in differentiating amyloid AA -- a type of abnormal protein found in in various tissues of the body -- from other kinds of amyloid may help in the detection and treatment of several diseases, according to Amyloidosis.com, such as multiple myeloma, tuberculosis, rheumatoid arthritis and Alzheimer's disease.

Disinfectant

Potassium permanganate acts as a disinfectant due to its oxidative properties. In dilution, it is useful for the treatment of ulcers, mouth sores, skin eczema and diaper dermatitis in children, according to Dr. Mahmoud Hijazy, author of "Principles of Pediatric Dermatology."

Other Medical Uses

Historically, potassium permanganate was used in the treatment of balanitis, a skin condition affecting the penis, notes The New Zealand Dermatological Society, and is still employed in the treatment of yeast infections, or candidiasis, according to Dr. Hijazy.

Colorant

Potassium permanganate ranges in color from purple to pink and green, depending on other chemicals present. When used as an oxidizer, it generates a dark brown color that stains most organic material, such as paper, cotton and silk clothing, hemp rope and skin. It can also be used to "stain" or develop photos, giving them an antique appearance. Lemon juice or other mild acids quickly bleach and remove the color and provide interesting opportunities for creative aesthetics in artwork and photography. Potassium permanganate is frequently used in the television and film industry on sets to "age" props, clothing, ropes and timber, giving them an antique appearance.

Emergency Survival Kits

This versatile chemical is often included in survival supplies and is used as a fire starter, to sterilize water and for marking in snow to create distress signals, due to its color. The addition of glycerin or antifreeze makes potassium permanganate burst into flames, according to PrimitiveWays.com. Caution is advised when combining these chemicals, especially in the woods, where delayed reactions can cause forest fires.

Fruit Preservation

Packing bananas and other fruits that ripen quickly in polyethylene bags with potassium permanganate -- which absorbs ethylene, a byproduct of ripening bananas -- promotes the absorption of the ethylene and extends the shelf life of the fruit without requiring refrigeration.

References

Article reviewed by Pamela Goldstein Last updated on: Jan 15, 2012

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