Potassium permanganate to potassium manganate (oxidation state +6) and manganese dioxide (oxidation state +4). Oxygen gas is also liberated. Potassium permanganate poses risks as an oxidizer. Contact with skin will result in a long lasting pinkish/purple stain. Potassium permanganate Potassium permanganate is an inorganic chemical compound and medication. As a medication it is used for cleaning wounds and dermatitis. It has the chemical formula KMnO and is a salt consisting of K and ions. It is a strong oxidizing agent. It dissolves in water to give intensely pink or purple solutions, the evaporation of which leaves prismatic purplish-black glistening crystals. In 2000,
Potassium hypochlorite Potassium hypochlorite Potassium hypochlorite (chemical formula KClO) is the potassium salt of hypochlorous acid. It is used in variable concentrations, often diluted in water solution. It has a light grey color and a strong chlorine smell. It can be used as a disinfectant. Potassium hypochlorite is produced by the reaction of chlorine with a solution of potassium hydroxide: This is the traditional method, first used by Claude Louis Berthollet in 1789. Another production method is electrolysis of potassium chloride solution. With both methods, the reaction mixture must be kept cold to prevent formation of potassium chlorate. Potassium hypochlorite is used