What Is Sodium Permanganate?
Sodium permanganate, with the chemical formula NaMnO4, is a potent oxidizer, sharing basic chemical properties with potassium permanganate, including strong oxidizing power. It is notably more soluble in water than potassium permanganate.
Produced from manganese oxide and sodium hypochlorite, it decomposes, releasing oxygen when heated.
Uses of Sodium Permanganate
As a strong oxidizer, sodium permanganate is commonly available as a 40% aqueous solution. Its applications range from analytical reagents, removing manganese and iron, eliminating odor and organic matter, sewage and industrial effluent treatment, textile bleaching, inorganic and organic acid purification, and pharmaceutical production, to tanker cleaning. It also serves as an etching agent in electronics and a fixing agent in electron microscopy.
Properties of Sodium Permanganate
This dark reddish-purple liquid has a molecular weight of 141.93 g/mol and a boiling point of 100°C, with a density of 1.391 Pcm3. It is chemically stable under normal conditions but should be kept away from incompatible materials such as metal powders and strong acids.
Other Information on Sodium Permanganate
1. Safety
Classified under GHS for various hazards, sodium permanganate can cause serious health risks including skin burns, eye damage, and potential chronic manganese poisoning affecting the nervous system. It also poses environmental risks.
2. First Aid Measures
Includes immediate rinsing for ingestion or skin contact, careful eye washing, and precautionary measures for first aid personnel, including protective equipment.
3. Handling Instructions
Recommendations for safe handling include avoiding heat and ignition sources, using personal protective equipment, and thoroughly washing after handling.
4. In the Case of Fire
Advises against using sodium permanganate as a fire extinguishing agent, highlights potential fire-aggravating effects due to oxygen release, and suggests protective measures for firefighters.
5. Applicable Laws and Regulations
Sodium permanganate is not classified as a hazardous material or a poisonous and deleterious substance.