Oxidation of glycerol by potassium permanganate

Glycerol (glycerin, glycerine) is oxidized by potassium permanganate.

The common method of initiating a termite reaction is the oxidation of glycerol.

Discussion: 

Equation

14KMnO4 + 4C3H5(OH)3 --> 7K2CO3 + 7Mn2O3 + 5CO2 + 16H2O

Credits: 
  • Design and Demonstration
    • George Gilbert Denison University, Granville, OH 43023
  • Contribution
    • Kelly Houston Jetzer University of Wisconsin - Madison, Madison, WI 53706
  • Video Production
    • Jerrold J. Jacobsen University of Wisconsin - Madison, Madison, WI 53706
  • Text
    • George Gilbert Denison University, Granville, OH 43023
    • David Phillips Wabash College, Crawfordsville, IN 47933