Exciting Electrons

Reduction Experiment - Potassium Permanganate Volcano

Potassium permanganate (KMnO₄) (also called potassium manganate (VII)) oxidises glycerol (C₃H₈O₃) (propane-1,2,3-triol) to CO₂ and H₂O (as steam).

Glycerol is poured onto a pile of potassium permanganate and after a few seconds a volcano erupts

Manganese is a transition metal. Transition metals can have different oxidation states.

In the volcano, manganese (in the potassium permanganate) is reduced from oxidation state 7 (deep purple) to oxidation states 6 (green) and 4 (brown) i.e. some manganese gains 1 electron and some manganese gains 3 electrons.

The different oxidation states of manganese have different colours.

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What are electrons? - Where are Electrons? - Electrons in Molecules - How big are electrons? - Exciting Electrons using LIGHT - Exciting Electrons using ELECTRICITY - Exciting Electrons using CHEMICALS - Oxidation & Reduction - Oxidation Experiment - Sodium & Water - Reduction Experiment - Potassium Permanganate Volcano - Oxidation experiment - Ammonia - What is Electricity?

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