Glycerol Reaction with Potassium Permanganate
14 KMnO4 + 4 C3H5(OH)3
<----->
7 K2CO3 + 7 Mn2O3 + 5 CO2 + 16 H2O + HEAT
 
 

A few drops of glycerin are placed into a hollow in a pile of potassium permanganate. Potassium permanganate is a strong oxidizing agent and glycerin is an easily oxidized substance. Consequently, a redox type reaction is expected between these two substances. An exothermic reaction does occur, with the glycerin boiling, giving off smoke and eventually producing a flame that spreads around the pile of potassium permanganate. Eventually all the glycerin is consumed by the permanganate.

 













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