Potassium permanganate (KMnO₄) exhibits strong oxidizing properties.[1] KMnO₄ on dissolution in benzene and on complexation with dicyclohexyl-18-crown-6, affords a useful oxidizing reagent. This reagent participates as an oxidant for the oxidation of olefins, alcohols, aldehydes and alkyl benzenes under mild conditions.[2]

Potassium permanganate, a dark violet colored crystalline solid, is a strong oxidizing agent for a wide range of organic compounds.[3][4] It is commonly used as a disinfectant to treat external infections in aquaculture.[5] Corncobs pretreated with alkaline potassium permanganate solution showed high carbohydrate recovery due to the increased enzymatic hydrolysis of lignocellulose.[6] The acidic potassium permanganate acts a chemiluminescence reagent for the determination of organic compounds.[7]

Layered MnO₂ with very promising characteristics for battery applications is produced by thermal decomposition of KMnO₄.[8]

Potassium permanganate may be employed as an oxidizing agent in the synthesis of the following:

• sulfonal (2,2-bisethylsulfonyyl)propane[9]
• cinchomeronic acid (pyridine-3,4-dicarboxylic acid)[10]
• isonicotinic acid (pyridine-4-carboxylic acid)[11]
• manganese(IV) sulfate[12]

Potassium permanganate may be used as an oxidant for the conversion of aromatic aldehydes to corresponding amides in liquid ammonia.[13]

Suitable for heterogeneous oxidations.