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Home > Science > What is the Difference Between Potassium Permanganate and Potassium Manganate?

Guilherme Mazui

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What is the Difference Between Potassium Permanganate and Potassium Manganate?

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The main difference between potassium permanganate and potassium manganate lies in their oxidation states and chemical structures. Here are the key differences:

  1. Oxidation State: Potassium manganate has a -2 oxidation state, while potassium permanganate has a +7 oxidation state. This means that potassium permanganate is a stronger oxidizing agent compared to potassium manganate.
  2. Chemical Formula: Potassium manganate has the chemical formula K2MnO4, while potassium permanganate has the chemical formula KMnO4.
  3. Crystal Structure: Potassium permanganate is an orthorhombic crystal, while potassium manganate is isomorphous with sodium chloride.
  4. Appearance and Color: Potassium permanganate appears as purple-bronze needle-shaped crystals, while potassium manganate is an inorganic compound in the form of green crystals.
  5. Synthesis: Potassium permanganate is formed from manganese dioxide, whereas potassium manganate is produced through the treatment of MnO2 with air.
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  • What is the Difference Between Potassium Permanganate and Potassium Manganate?
  • Comparative Table: Potassium Permanganate vs Potassium Manganate

    • Comparative Table: Potassium Permanganate vs Potassium Manganate

    Potassium permanganate and potassium manganate are two different inorganic compounds with distinct properties and uses. Here is a table comparing their key differences:

    Property Potassium Permanganate (KMnO4) Potassium Manganate (K2MnO4)
    Chemical Formula KMnO4 K2MnO4
    Structure Dark purple crystals or granules Green crystals
    Oxidation State of Manganese +7 +6
    Chemical Structure Consists of one potassium ion, one manganese ion in the +7 oxidation state, and four oxygen ions in the permanganate polyatomic anion Consists of two potassium ions and one manganese ion in the +6 oxidation state, along with four oxygen ions in the manganate polyatomic anion
    Formation Formed from manganese dioxide Produced through the treatment of MnO2 with air or potassium nitrate as an oxidizer
    Applications Wide range of applications, including water treatment, textile dyeing, and as a strong oxidizing agent Specialized and limited applications in analytical chemistry and laboratory settings

    Potassium permanganate has a dark purple color and is a strong oxidizing agent, while potassium manganate appears as green crystals and is used in specialized and limited applications compared to potassium permanganate.

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    Guilherme Mazui

    Guilherme Mazui is graduated in journalism from the Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG) and a master's degree in Communication from the University of São Paulo (USP). In addition, he has experience in advertising writing and has worked as a content editor in several companies.