Uses of potassium permanganate in life

 In the learning process of high school chemistry, we often encounter potassium permanganate, especially using its strong oxidation to write unfamiliar ion equations, which is almost the oxidant with the highest frequency. This is because potassium permanganate itself is widely used. For example, in industry, potassium permanganate is used as a water treatment agent in water purification or wastewater treatment to oxidize H2S, iron, manganese, organic pollutants in water to control odor and decolorization. Therefore, potassium permanganate is often used in industry as a bleach, adsorbent, disinfectant, etc.

　　In medicine, it is also often used as a preservative, disinfectant, deodorant, etc. This is why we often see potassium permanganate in real life. For example, we can buy topical tablets or prepared solutions at pharmacies.

　　So what can we do with it? After all, we are also people who have studied chemistry, so let's count its benefits.

　　Potassium permanganate is mainly based on its strong oxidation, so it is used as a disinfectant in life, which is embodied in the following two aspects:

　　Treatment of skin or wounds. To prevent bacterial infection, for example, many people suffer from athlete's foot. When soaking your feet, adding a certain concentration of potassium permanganate to the water will be very effective. Low-concentration potassium permanganate solution can wash away skin wounds, ulcers, abscesses, etc., but generally need to be used under the guidance of a doctor and cannot be used for a long time.

　　Disinfection of fruits, tableware, etc. Potassium permanganate can effectively kill various bacterial propagules, fungi, Mycobacterium tuberculosis, and can also inactivate hepatitis B virus and spores, so it is widely used in disinfection of fruits, vegetables, tableware, etc. However, it should be noted that potassium permanganate generally acts slowly, so it is more effective to extend the soaking time appropriately.

　　Since potassium permanganate is so easy to use, is it okay to use it casually? The answer is of course no, we need to pay attention to the following points:

　　Can not be taken orally! Accidentally taking potassium permanganate will cause a series of gastrointestinal irritation symptoms, such as burning sensation in the oropharynx, swelling, nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, etc. In severe cases, speech, swallowing and breathing difficulties may occur, and proteinuria may occur. If ingested more than 10g by mistake, it may be fatal, so potassium permanganate tablets must be placed in places that are not easily accessible to children and the elderly.

　　The solution should be used now, and because hot water will cause its decomposition failure, it is best to use cold water, and the general effective time is about 2h. Due to the reaction, potassium permanganate solution cannot be prepared with alcohol, and should not be mixed with iodine, sugar, glycerin, etc.

　　Be sure to pay attention to the use concentration. Different uses have different requirements for the concentration of potassium permanganate, especially high concentrations of potassium permanganate can even have harmful effects on the skin. Therefore, when using, you must strictly follow the instructions or follow the doctor's instructions.

　　In fact, many reagents seen in chemistry will be widely used in life. So, don't think that studying chemistry is just for exams, and don't think that the emergence of chemistry only leads to environmental pollution. After all, the development of chemistry is also a part of the development of our human civilization. It depends on how we use it. Let's use chemical knowledge to create a better life together.