Chemical Name: Sodium Permanganate
CAS Number: 10101-50-5
Synonyms: Sodium manganate(VII)
Common Uses: Water treatment, organic synthesis, oxidation processes
Odor: Odorless
Appearance: Usually found in dark purple to black crystalline solid form, soluble in water
Relevant Industry Settings: Utilities, laboratories, chemical manufacturing
Main Hazards: Strong oxidizer, severe eye and skin irritation, ingestion danger, respiratory tract irritant
Physical Hazards: Powerful oxidizing agent; may ignite combustibles
Health Hazards: Can burn skin, create permanent eye injury, cause gastrointestinal distress through ingestion
Environmental Hazards: Highly toxic to aquatic life and impacts streams and soil if released
Pictogram: Oxidizer, corrosive, health hazard
Component: Sodium permanganate approximately 40% in solutions; remainder mostly water
Impurities: Trace manganese dioxide, sometimes sodium sulfate depending on source
Sodium Content: Elevated in solution, adds to general sodium exposure for handlers
Eye Contact: Rinse carefully with running water for a minimum of 15 minutes, seek urgent medical attention
Skin Contact: Remove contaminated clothing, wash vigorously with soap and water
Ingestion: Do not induce vomiting, rinse mouth, get prompt medical attention
Inhalation: Move to fresh air, consult physician
Important Reminders: Always look out for delayed symptoms, especially burns or abnormal breathing
Fire Risks: Non-flammable by itself though accelerates burning of other substances
Recommended Extinguishing Media: Flood with water, avoid using dry chemical fire extinguishers or foam
Special Protective Equipment: Full gear for firefighters, self-contained breathing to avoid toxic fumes
Hazardous Combustion Byproducts: Toxic fumes, manganese oxides created when heated extensively
Personal Precautions: Utilize chemical splash goggles, nitrile gloves, chemical-resistant boots, and clothing
Environmental Precautions: Prevent entry into waterways and sewers, contain spilled material with non-combustible absorbent
Cleanup Methods: Scoop spills into secure waste containers, wash surface thoroughly with water; always ventilate affected areas
Safe Handling: Avoid contact with skin, eyes, and clothing; never mix with acids, organics, or combustibles
Special Procedures: Always work with appropriate chemical fume hoods or in well-ventilated settings
Storage Needs: Keep in tightly closed, corrosion-resistant containers away from reducers and flammable materials; store at controlled room temperature away from moisture
Engineering Controls: Use local exhaust ventilation, process enclosures, and adequate general ventilation
Respiratory Protection: Wear NIOSH-approved respirators if airborne concentrations could exceed recommended limits
Hand Protection: Chemical-resistant gloves such as nitrile or butyl rubber
Eye Protection: Chemical goggles or face shields
Skin and Clothing: Long-sleeved chemically resistant coveralls; always remove contaminated clothes quickly
Workplace Practices: No eating or drinking in work area, use eye wash and safety showers within arm’s reach
Form: Crystalline or aqueous solution
Color: Deep purple to black crystals; pink/reddish solution
Solubility: Fully soluble in water
Odor: None
pH: Solutions are basic
Melting Point: Decomposes before melting
Boiling Point: Not applicable
Density: Higher than water in solid form
Stability: Stable under normal conditions in closed containers
Reactivity: Decomposes violently with strong acids, organic matter, and many reducing agents
Incompatible Materials: Avoid mixing with combustibles, strong acids, peroxides
Hazardous Decomposition: Manganese oxides, oxygen gas produced, can increase fire hazard
Polymerization: Will not polymerize
Likely Routes of Exposure: Eye contact, skin contact, inhalation, ingestion
Acute Effects: Corrosive burns to eyes and skin, gastric pain and vomiting, respiratory symptoms
Chronic Effects: Prolonged exposure might impact liver and kidneys; manganese can build up in the body if not monitored
Carcinogenicity: Not classified as a carcinogen, but chronic manganese exposure does impact nervous health
Sensitization: Some risk of skin or respiratory sensitization upon repeated contact
Aquatic Toxicity: Highly toxic to algae, fish, and invertebrates; can cause persistent disruptions in local environments
Mobility: Travels easily in soil and water, depending on the spill or release
Persistence and Degradability: Sodium permanganate breaks down in the environment, yet oxidation byproducts may impact aquatic life
Bioaccumulation: Manganese compounds have some potential to build up in aquatic organisms
Disposal Methods: Treat as hazardous chemical waste; neutralize with reducing agents under strict controls; do not pour untreated solutions down the drain
Regulatory Notes: Facilities must comply with hazardous waste transport and disposal regulations
Container Disposal: Empty containers carry residue—treat with as much care as full containers, rinse and dispose through permitted waste management contractors
UN Number: 3215
Shipping Name: Sodium Permanganate, solution
Hazard Class: Oxidizer
Packing Group: II
Special Precautions: Secure upright during transport, guard against leaks
Incompatibilities in Transit: Separate from combustibles, acids, and organic agents
International Requirements: Subject to IMDG and IATA rules for oxidizing substances
Environmental Regulations: Listed under major chemical management programs due to aquatic toxicity
Workplace Guidelines: OSHA and equivalent agencies in other regions set maximum exposure limits and require training for handlers
Reporting Requirements: Significant spills or releases trigger mandatory immediate notification to environmental authorities
Labeling Rules: Packaging demands clear, standardized hazard labeling in all jurisdictions