Potassium Permanganate

1Identification

Name

Potassium Permanganate

IUPAC name

potassium permanganate

CAS number

7722-64-7

EC number

231-760-3

Molecular formula

KMnO4

Molecular weight

158.034 g/mol

InChIKey

VZJVWSHVAAUDKD-UHFFFAOYSA-N

SMILES

[O-][Mn](=O)(=O)=O.[K+]

PubChem CID

516875

Synonyms

POTASSIUM PERMANGANATE, Chameleon mineral, Condy's crystals, Permanganate of potash, Argucide, Cairox, Walko Tablets, Insta-perm, Algae-K, Solo San Soo, Pure Light E 2, Potassium permanganate (KMnO4), Diversey Diversol CXU, Kaliumpermanganat

Recommended uses

• Used to bleach textile fibers and skins, to dye wood and fabrics, to etch rubber and plastics, and to descale steel; Used in food processing, photography, leather tanning, and water purification; Used as an antiseptic, disinfectant, insecticide, miticide, and algaecide; [HSDB]
  Haz-Map, Information on Hazardous Chemicals and Occupational Diseases
• Using Disinfectants or Biocides [Category: Clean] Farming (Pesticides) [Category: Industry] Sewer and Wastewater Treatment [Category: Industry] Leather Tanning and Processing [Category: Industry] Photographic Processing [Category: Other] Textiles (Printing, Dyeing, or Finishing) [Category: Industry]
  Haz-Map, Information on Hazardous Chemicals and Occupational Diseases
• For Potassium permanganate (USEPA/OPP Pesticide Code: 068501) ACTIVE products with label matches. /SRP: Registered for use in the U.S. but approved pesticide uses may change periodically and so federal, state and local authorities must be consulted for currently approved uses./
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• Not Known or Reasonably Ascertainable Oxidizing agent Bleaching agent
  EPA Chemical Data Reporting (CDR)
• Not Known or Reasonably Ascertainable Oxidizing agent
  EPA Chemical Data Reporting (CDR)

Description

• Potassium permanganate appears as a purplish colored crystalline solid. Noncombustible but accelerates the burning of combustible material. If the combustible material is finely divided the mixture may be explosive. Contact with liquid combustible materials may result in spontaneous ignition. Contact with sulfuric acid may cause fire or explosion. Used to make other chemicals and as a disinfectant.
  CAMEO Chemicals
• Potassium permanganate is an inorganic potassium salt of permanganic acid. It has a role as a NMR chemical shift reference compound, an antiseptic drug, a disinfectant, a dermatologic drug and an oxidising agent. It contains a permanganate.
  ChEBI
• Potassium permanganate is a chemical compound of manganese prepared from manganese dioxide. It is a powerful oxidizing agent and used a fixative, disinfectant, and as a reagent in organic synthesis. Manganese is a naturally occurring metal with the symbol Mn and the atomic number 25. It does not occur naturally in its pure form, but is found in many types of rocks in combination with other substances such as oxygen, sulfur, or chlorine. Manganese occurs naturally in most foods and small amounts are needed to stay healthy, as manganese ions act as cofactors for a number of enzymes. (L228, L229, L242)
  Toxin and Toxin Target Database (T3DB)

2Hazard identification

Signal word

Danger

Pictograms

GHS03, GHS07, GHS08, GHS09

Classification source

Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008 of the European Parliament and of the Council

Precautionary statements

Other reported classifications

5 classification records exist across sources. Differences usually reflect purity, physical form or impurities.

Health hazards

• Burns and stains the skin dark brown. If ingested will cause severe distress of gastro-intestinal system. May be fatal if over 4 oz. are consumed. (USCG, 1999)
  CAMEO Chemicals
• · Inhalation, ingestion or contact (skin, eyes) with vapors or substance may cause severe injury, burns or death. · Fire may produce irritating, corrosive and/or toxic gases. · Runoff from fire control or dilution water may cause environmental contamination.
  Emergency Response Guidebook (ERG)

Fire hazards

• Behavior in Fire: May cause fire on contact with combustibles. Containers may explode. (USCG, 1999)
  CAMEO Chemicals
• CAUTION: Ammonium nitrate products may explode if involved in fire or contaminated with hydrocarbons (fuels), organic matter, other contaminants or when hot molten and contained. Treat as an explosive (GUIDE 112). · These substances will accelerate burning when involved in a fire. · Some may decompose explosively when heated or involved in a fire. · May explode from heat or contamination. · Some will react explosively with hydrocarbons (fuels). · May ignite combustibles (wood, paper, oil, clothing, etc.). · Containers may explode when heated. · Runoff may create fire or explosion hazard.
  Emergency Response Guidebook (ERG)
• Not combustible but enhances combustion of other substances. Gives off irritating or toxic fumes (or gases) in a fire. Risk of fire and explosion on contact with combustible substances or reducing agents.
  ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)

Hazards summary

• Dilute solutions are irritants and concentrated solutions caustic to the skin, eyes, and respiratory tract. Toxic by ingestion--gastrointestinal burns, methemoglobinemia, and injury to liver and kidneys; [HSDB] If not flushed with water, can burn skin and stain it dark brown; [CHRIS] Inhalation of high concentrations of dust or mist may cause pulmonary edema in extreme exposures; May cause liver and kidney damage after ingestion; Lethal dose is about 10 grams; May cause manganese poisoning after chronic ingestion or inhalation;
  Haz-Map, Information on Hazardous Chemicals and Occupational Diseases

3Composition / information on ingredients

This page describes the pure substance. Commercial products may be solutions or mixtures. Check Section 3 of your supplier's SDS for concentrations and other ingredients.

4First-aid measures

• INGESTION: induce vomiting and follow with thorough gastric lavage, demulcents, glucose I.V., fluid therapy, and antibiotics. Tracheostomy may be lifesaving. (USCG, 1999)
  CAMEO Chemicals
• General First Aid: · Call 911 or emergency medical service. · Ensure that medical personnel are aware of the material(s) involved, take precautions to protect themselves and avoid contamination. · Move victim to fresh air if it can be done safely. · Administer oxygen if breathing is difficult. · If victim is not breathing: -- DO NOT perform mouth-to-mouth resuscitation; the victim may have ingested or inhaled the substance. -- If equipped and pulse detected, wash face and mouth, then give artificial respiration using a proper respiratory medical device (bag-valve mask, pocket mask equipped with a one-way valve or other device).
  Emergency Response Guidebook (ERG)

Symptoms of exposure

• Burning sensation. Cough. Sore throat. Shortness of breath. Laboured breathing. Symptoms may be delayed.
  ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)
• Redness. Skin burns. Pain.
  ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)
• Redness. Pain. Severe burns.
  ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)

5Fire-fighting measures

• If material on fire or involved in fire: Flood with water. Cool all affected containers with flooding quantities of water. Apply water from as far a distance as possible.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• Evacuation: If fire becomes uncontrollable - consider evacuation of one-half (1/2) mile radius.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

6Accidental release measures

Isolation and evacuation

• Excerpt from ERG Guide 140 [Oxidizers]: IMMEDIATE PRECAUTIONARY MEASURE: Isolate spill or leak area in all directions for at least 50 meters (150 feet) for liquids and at least 25 meters (75 feet) for solids. LARGE SPILL: Consider initial downwind evacuation for at least 100 meters (330 feet). FIRE: If tank, rail tank car or highway tank is involved in a fire, ISOLATE for 800 meters (1/2 mile) in all directions; also, consider initial evacuation for 800 meters (1/2 mile) in all directions. If ammonium nitrate products are in a tank, rail car or truck and involved in a fire, ISOLATE for 1600 meters (1 mile) in all directions;
  CAMEO Chemicals
• Immediate precautionary measure · Isolate spill or leak area in all directions for at least 50 meters (150 feet) for liquids and at least 25 meters (75 feet) for solids. Large Spill · Consider initial downwind evacuation for at least 100 meters (330 feet). Fire · If tank, rail tank car or highway tank is involved in a fire, ISOLATE for 800 meters (1/2 mile) in all directions; also, consider initial evacuation for 800 meters (1/2 mile) in all directions. · If ammonium nitrate products are in a tank, rail car or truck and involved in a fire, ISOLATE for 1600 meters (1 mile) in all directions; also, initiate evacuation including emergency responders for 1600 meters (1 mile) in all directions.
  Emergency Response Guidebook (ERG)

Spill cleanup

• Personal protection: chemical protection suit including self-contained breathing apparatus. Do NOT let this chemical enter the environment. Sweep spilled substance into covered containers. Carefully collect remainder. Then store and dispose of according to local regulations. Do NOT absorb in saw-dust or other combustible absorbents.
  ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)
• Environmental considerations: Land spill: Dig a pit, pond, lagoon, holding area to contain liquid or solid material. /SRP: If time permits, pits, ponds, lagoons, soak holes, or holding areas should be sealed with an impermeable flexible membrane liner./ Cover solids with a plastic sheet to prevent dissolving in rain or fire fighting water. Add sodium bisulfite (NaHSO3).
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• Environmental considerations: Water spill: Add dilute caustic soda (NaOH). Add sodium bisulfite (NaHSO3). Use mechanical dredges or lifts to remove immobilized masses of pollutants and precipitates.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

7Handling and storage

• Separated from combustible substances, reducing agents and powdered metals. Well closed. Provision to contain effluent from fire extinguishing. Store in an area without drain or sewer access.
  ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)

8Exposure controls / personal protection

Personal protective equipment

• Goggles or face shield; rubber gloves. (USCG, 1999)
  CAMEO Chemicals
• GOGGLES OR FACE SHIELD; RUBBER GLOVES.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

9Physical and chemical properties

10Stability and reactivity

Reactivity

• POTASSIUM PERMANGANATE is a very powerful oxidizing agent, particularly in acidic surroundings. Reacts with incandescence with aluminum carbide [Mellor 5:872. 1946-47]. Grinding with antimony or arsenic causes ignition of the metals [Mellor 12:322. 1946-47]. Mixtures with acetic acid or acetic anhydride may explode if not kept cold [Von Schwartz 1918. p. 34]. Explosions can occur when acidified solutions come in contact with benzene, carbon disulfide, diethyl ether, ethyl alcohol, petroleum, or organic matter. Contact with glycerol may produce an explosion [Pieters 1957. p. 30]. Contact with concentrated hydrogen peroxide solution can produce an explosion [Haz. Chem. Data 1973. p. 230].
  CAMEO Chemicals
• Soluble in water.
  CAMEO Chemicals

Incompatible materials and hazardous reactions

• CAUTION: TAKE GREAT CARE IN HANDLING AS EXPLOSIONS MAY OCCUR IF IT IS BROUGHT INTO CONTACT WITH ORG OR OTHER READILY OXIDIZABLE SUBSTANCES, EITHER IN SOLN OR IN DRY STATE.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• CONTACT ... /WITH GLYCEROL/ MAY PRODUCE EXPLOSION.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• CRYSTALS OF POTASSIUM PERMANGANATE EXPLODE VIGOROUSLY WHEN GROUND WITH PHOSPHORUS.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

Chemical stability

• STABLE IN AIR AND LIGHT; SOLN ARE UNSTABLE
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

11Toxicological information

Short-term exposure effects

• The substance is corrosive to the eyes, skin and respiratory tract. Corrosive on ingestion. Inhalation of dust may cause lung oedema, but only after initial corrosive effects on eyes and/or airways have become manifest. The effects may be delayed. Medical observation is indicated.
  ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)

Long-term exposure effects

• The substance may have effects on the lungs. This may result in bronchitis and pneumonia. Animal tests show that this substance possibly causes toxicity to human reproduction or development.
  ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)

12Ecological information

Not available in the public sources we compile. Check Section 12 of the supplier's SDS.

13Disposal considerations

• SRP: At the time of review, criteria for land treatment or burial (sanitary landfill) disposal practices are subject to significant revision. Prior to implementing land disposal of waste residue (including waste sludge), consult with environmental regulatory agencies for guidance on acceptable disposal practices.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

14Transport information

UN number: UN 1490

Shipping name

• UN 1490; Potassium permanganate
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• IMO 5.1; Potassium permanganate
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

DOT hazard class

• Potassium permanganate
  US Code of Federal Regulations, Hazardous Materials, 49 CFR Part 172
• UN1490
  US Code of Federal Regulations, Hazardous Materials, 49 CFR Part 172
• Div 5.1 Oxidizer (49 eCFR § 173.127)
  US Code of Federal Regulations, Hazardous Materials, 49 CFR Part 172

DOT label

• Oxidizer
  CAMEO Chemicals

UN classification

• UN Hazard Class: 5.1; UN Pack Group: II
  ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)

Emergency Response Guidebook

• 1490 140
  Emergency Response Guidebook (ERG)

How DOT hazard classes work →

15Regulatory information

• Listed as a hazardous air pollutant (HAP) generally known or suspected to cause serious health problems. The Clean Air Act, as amended in 1990, directs EPA to set standards requiring major sources to sharply reduce routine emissions of toxic pollutants. EPA is required to establish and phase in specific performance based standards for all air emission sources that emit one or more of the listed pollutants. Potassium permanganate is included on this list.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• Potassium permanganate is designated as a hazardous substance under section 311(b)(2)(A) of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act and further regulated by the Clean Water Act Amendments of 1977 and 1978. These regulations apply to discharges of this substance. This designation includes any isomers and hydrates, as well as any solutions and mixtures containing this substance.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• Persons in charge of vessels or facilities are required to notify the National Response Center (NRC) immediately, when there is a release of this designated hazardous substance, in an amount equal to or greater than its reportable quantity of 100 lb or 45.4 kg. The toll free number of the NRC is (800) 424-8802; In the Washington D.C. metropolitan area (202) 426-2675. The rule for determining when notification is required is stated in 40 CFR 302.4 (section IV. D.3.b).
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• Potassium permanganate is an indirect food additive for use only as a component of adhesives.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

Overview of SDS regulations (OSHA HazCom, WHMIS, REACH/CLP) →

16Other information

Compiled from PubChem CID 516875 and the sources it aggregates (attributed inline). Data retrieved 2026-10-12. This summary describes the pure substance and is not a supplier SDS.