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Oxidation of Glycerin by Potassium Permanganate
	Contents Sodium Iodide + Mercury(II) Chloride Like Dissolves Like Ferrofluid Ice Bomb Oxidation of Glycerin Mercury Beating Heart Nitrogen Triiodide Detonation Cadmium Nitrate + Sodium Sulfide Copper(II) Nitrate + Ammonia Sodium + Acid Denaturation of Protein Hydrolysis of t-Butyl Chloride Centrifuging Which Is Hot? Dust Explosion Thermite
A few drops of glycerin (1,2,3-propanetriol) are placed into a hollow in a pile of potassium permanganate. An exothermic reaction results producing fumes and a flame.
Chemical Equation 14 KMnO₄ + 4 C₃H₅(OH)₃ 7 K2CO₃ + 7 Mn₂O₃ + 5 CO₂ + 16 H₂O Think About It Is this an endothermic or an exothermic reaction? Support your answer. What observable evidence indicates that a chemical reaction is taking place? Safety/Precautions This is a highly exothermic reaction. It should only be carried out in a well-ventilated area. Explosions may result from the reaction of easily oxidizable materials with potassium permanganate, a strong oxidizer.
Journal of Chemical Education is a publication of the Division of Chemical Education, Inc. of the American Chemical Society.

Oxidation of Glycerin by Potassium Permanganate