Chemical Name: Potassium Manganate
Common Synonyms: Potassium manganate(VI), Green salt
CAS Number: 10101-68-5
Formula: K2MnO4
Physical Appearance: Bright green, granular solid
Typical Usage: Lab oxidizer, water treatment, chemical synthesis
Odor: Odorless
Solubility: Soluble in water
Main Risks: Potent oxidizer, can cause fires on contact with combustible materials
Health Hazards: Harmful if swallowed, may cause skin and eye irritation, toxic to respiratory tract if inhaled as dust
Environmental Dangers: Extremely toxic to aquatic life, persistent in waterways
NFPA Ratings: Health 2, Flammability 0, Instability 1, Special Oxidizer
Signal Word: Danger
Routes of Exposure: Ingestion, inhalation, skin and eye contact
Active Substance: Potassium Manganate
Purity: Commonly found in purities above 95%
Impurities: May include traces of potassium permanganate and potassium hydroxide
Mixtures: Most commercial samples offered as single-component powders or granules
Inhalation: Move to fresh air, seek medical attention if symptoms persist
Skin Contact: Rinse thoroughly with water for at least 15 minutes, remove contaminated clothing
Eye Contact: Flush with water for several minutes, keep eyelids open, medical help essential for persistent irritation
Ingestion: Rinse mouth, do not induce vomiting, call a doctor immediately
Personal Note: Having a well-stocked first aid kit and emergency showers in the work area makes a real difference. Every second counts if someone is splashed.
Flammability: Does not burn, but intensifies fires by supplying oxygen
Suitable Extinguishing Media: Use water spray, avoid dry chemicals and carbon dioxide as they may react
Hazardous Byproducts: Manganese oxides, toxic gases possible if overheated
Personal Protective Gear: Full turnout gear, self-contained breathing apparatus
Fire-Fighting Advice: Remove all combustible materials from the area, keep distance as the green powder feeds flames
Critical Insight: Training in handling oxidizer fires must go hand-in-hand with storing such chemicals. Ignoring the oxidizer hazard has led to regrettable accidents.
Personal Protection: Gloves, goggles, lab coat, particulate mask if dusting
Spill Cleanup: Sweep up using non-sparking tools, avoid dust, store in sealed containers for disposal
Environmental Precaution: Prevent entry into drains or water sources
Decontamination: Wash area with plenty of water after removing solid material
Response Reflection: Taking time to review spill drills with staff has always prevented panic. Quick, coordinated response saves both lab equipment and the environment.
Safe Handling: Avoid generating dust, work in well-ventilated areas, never mix with organic materials
Storage Conditions: Cool, dry, well-ventilated space, far from acids and combustibles
Container Requirements: Use original containers or similarly robust alternatives with tight-fitting lids
Lab Wisdom: Placing oxidizers on separate shelves, clearly labeled, helps prevent careless mistakes. Too many near-misses start with disorganized storage.
Exposure Limits: No specific OSHA or ACGIH values, but treat as hazardous to health
Engineering Controls: Local fume hoods highly recommended
PPE: Gloves, chemical splash goggles, lab gear, dust mask or respirator
Hygiene Practices: Wash hands and face before eating, do not eat or drink near the work station
Personal Insight: Investing in basic equipment like proper masks and eye protection pays off. It's amazing how much you value your sight after witnessing an eye injury up close.
Appearance: Green granular or crystalline powder
Odor: None
pH: Alkaline in water solution
Melting Point: Decomposes above 240°C, does not melt cleanly
Density: Approx. 2.7 g/cm³
Solubility in Water: High
Reactivity: Strongly oxidizing, reacts violently with many organics and reducing agents
Experience: The eye-catching color gives no hint of its danger — good labeling is a must to stop casual handling.
Chemical Stability: Stable under recommended storage conditions, decomposes on contact with acids, organic material, strong reducing agents
Hazardous Reactions: Releases oxygen gas, can cause fire or explosions if mixed with fuels
Condition to Avoid: Moisture, overheating, contact with incompatible substances
Decomposition Products: Manganese oxides, potassium oxide, oxygen
Workplace Practice: Double-check incompatible inventory, keep oxidizers separate, don’t let chemical clutter build up on benches.
Acute Effects: Ingestion irritates mouth, throat, stomach, leads to nausea and vomiting, can cause kidney and liver damage if enough is swallowed
Chronic Exposure: Extended contact risks manganese poisoning, showing up as neurological symptoms in rare but serious cases
Routes of Entry: Swallowing, inhalation, skin absorption not common but possible
Symptoms to Watch: Cough, sore throat, abdominal pain, skin staining
Fact: Many in small-school labs underestimate these health risks until someone is sent for medical treatment.
Aquatic Toxicity: Highly toxic to fish and aquatic invertebrates, persistent hazard in streams and wastewater
Persistence: Degrades slowly in environment, manganese accumulates in soil and water
Precautions: Prevent runoff, avoid discharge into drains
Personal Reflection: Basic respect for local waterways and community health sinks in the moment you see dead fish downstream from a chemical mishap.
Methods: Treat as hazardous waste, deliver to licensed disposal sites, never pour down the drain
Cleanup: Minimize waste, use containerized disposal
Regulatory Note: Many regional rules demand special record keeping for oxidizer disposal
Lesson Learned: Taking shortcuts on disposal has led to lasting repercussions both legally and environmentally.
UN Number: UN 1490, classified as an oxidizing solid
Label: Oxidizer symbol mandatory
Packaging: Use sealed, compatible containers able to withstand movement and rough handling
Precautions: Keep separate from flammable materials, acids, and organic cargo
Practice Tip: Always double-check the shipment paperwork and label clarity before sending or receiving chemicals. The stress and confusion of transport accidents are amplified by missing or illegible hazard markings.
GHS Classification: Acute Toxicity, Category 4; Skin Irritation, Category 2; Serious Eye Damage, Category 1; Hazardous to Aquatic Environment, Category 1
Regulatory Restrictions: Registration required for import/export and use in many jurisdictions, with local environmental reporting mandates
Legal Responsibility: Violations tied to improper labeling, handling, or disposal can prompt costly penalties
Policy Lesson: Staying current with chemical regulations saves headaches, and keeping thorough training records often avoids the worst outcomes during audits.