Sodium permanganate | Solubility of Things

Identification

Molecular formula

NaMnO₄

CAS number

10101-50-5

IUPAC name

sodium;permanganate

State

At room temperature, sodium permanganate is a solid. It readily absorbs moisture from the air, which can lead to caking and clumping of the crystals. Due to its vivid color and reactivity, it is used in various applications such as oxidizing agents in chemical synthesis and analytical chemistry.

Melting point (Celsius)

170.00

Melting point (Kelvin)

443.15

Boiling point (Celsius)

100.00

Boiling point (Kelvin)

373.15

General information

Molecular weight

141.93g/mol

Molar mass

141.9250g/mol

Density

2.3610g/cm³

Appearence

Sodium permanganate typically appears as a deep purple crystalline solid. It is highly soluble in water, producing an intense purple solution. The crystals can assume different shapes depending on the hydration state, often forming prismatic shapes.

Comment on solubility

Solubility of Sodium Permanganate

Sodium permanganate (Na₂MnO₄) is known for its impressive solubility characteristics. This highly soluble compound can dissolve readily in water, making it a useful reagent in various chemical reactions.

Key Features of Solubility

Water Solubility: Sodium permanganate dissolves well in water, often producing a purple solution due to the presence of MnO₄⁻ ions.
Factors Affecting Solubility:
- Temperature: Increased temperature generally enhances solubility for most salts, including sodium permanganate.
- Concentration: As the concentration of sodium permanganate increases, the solution may become saturated, indicating its maximum solubility limit.
Solvent Interactions: The ionic nature of sodium permanganate allows it to interact favorably with polar solvents, predominantly water, due to hydrogen bonding and ion-dipole interactions.

Overall, the high solubility of sodium permanganate plays a crucial role in its applications, which include water treatment, analytical chemistry, and organic synthesis.

Interesting facts

Interesting Facts About Sodium Permanganate

Sodium permanganate is a fascinating compound that not only plays crucial roles in various chemical processes but also has significant applications in environmental science and medicine. This compound is known for its striking purple color, making it easily recognizable in laboratory settings. Here are some intriguing facts about sodium permanganate:

Oxidizing Agent: Sodium permanganate is a powerful oxidizing agent. This property allows it to be used effectively in redox reactions, where it can donate oxygen and accept electrons.
Disinfection: Due to its oxidation properties, it is frequently employed in disinfection processes, particularly in water treatment facilities. It helps eliminate contaminants, providing safe drinking water.
Medical Uses: Sodium permanganate solutions are sometimes used in medical applications for treating conditions like dermatitis and fungal infections because of their antiseptic properties.
Historical Significance: It was first discovered in the 18th century and has since been utilized in a variety of fields ranging from organic chemistry to environmental remediation.
Color Indicator: The vivid purple color of sodium permanganate not only serves as an aesthetic feature but is also an important indicator in titration experiments. As reactions occur, the color fades, allowing scientists to monitor progress visually.

Overall, sodium permanganate is more than just a chemical compound; it's a versatile substance with a myriad of applications. Its use in chemistry, medicine, and environmental science exemplifies the importance of understanding chemical properties and the role they play in our daily lives. To quote renowned chemist Linus Pauling, "Chemistry is the missing link between physics and the life sciences." Sodium permanganate perfectly embodies this link, bridging various disciplines through its multifaceted applications.

Whether you're a budding chemist or a seasoned researcher, sodium permanganate is truly a compound worth exploring!