Pottassium Permanganate(KMnO4) is prepared fromPyrolusite ore(MnO2). The finely powderedPyrolusite ore(MnO2)is fused with an alkali metal hydroxide like KOH in the presence of air or an oxidizing agent like KNO3to give the dark greenpotassium Manganate(K2MnO4). Potassium manganate disproportionate in a neutral or acidic solution to givepotassium permanganate.
2 MnO2+ 4 KOH + O2---------- 2K2MnO4+ 2H2O
3 MnO42-+ 4H+------------ 2MnO4-+ MnO2+ 2H2O
Commerciallypotassium permanganate is preparedby the alkaline oxidative fusion ofPyrolusite ore(MnO2)followed bythe electrolytic oxidation of manganate (4) ion.
2 MnO2+ 4KOH + O2----------- 2K2MnO4+ 2H2O