Potassium permanganate

Potassium permanganate is an inorganic compound with the chemical formula KMnO4. It is a purplish-black crystalline salt, which dissolves in water as K+ and MnO4− ions to give an intensely pink to purple solution. Potassium permanganate is widely used in the chemical industry and laboratories as a strong oxidizing agent, and also traditionally as a medication for dermatitis, for cleaning wounds, and general disinfection. It is on the World Health Organization's List of Essential Medicines. It has a great variety of niche uses such as biocide for water treatment purposes and for tanning and dyeing cloth. In 2025, global potassium permanganate market reached 360,100 metric tons. It is also referred to as chameleon mineral, Condy's crystals, permanganate of potash, hypermangan, purple potion powder, permanganic acid (potassium salt), and purple salt.