Episode 2: Manganese Heptoxide

Manganese Heptoxide is an unstable and very powerful oxidizing agent made from adding concentrated sulfuric acid to potassium permanganate crystals.

It appears as a dark green oil.

It will ignite flammables on contact, producing a smoke of Manganese Dioxide. The toxic gas Ozone is also produced so do this outside or in a very well ventilated area.

Category:

Science & Technology

Tags:

• Manganese heptoxide
• Mn2O7
• Test tube thunderstorm

[milotickz]

This heptoxide stuff ain't safe to touch, is it? Btw, lovely music!

[mewrox99]

@milotickz

Nah, its dangerous stuff. It will burn you if you get it on your skin

[AHW214]

Could someone tell me if this equation is correct:

2KHSO4+2KMnO4=H2O+2K2SO4+Mn2O7

[mewrox99]

@AHW214

No a bisulfate cannot produce manganese heptoxide from KMnO4. Only concentrated sulfuric acid works unfortunately. While it isn't impossible to make conc. sulfuric acid from KHSO4 it's really really difficult

[mewrox99]

@AHW214

It's balanced correctly, but KHSO4 is only acidic when dissolved in water and water destroys manganese heoptoxide. Conc. Sulfuric acid is 98% and a strong dehydrating agent resulting in almost water free conditions.

[acaskey15]

@mewrox99 Could you please post the proper equation for the synthesis of Mn2O7

[AHW214]

@mewrox99

That makes sense.

[AHW214]

@mewrox99

How come that won't work-the equation looks right?

I would experiment but I don't feel like dealing with the possibility of making such a strong oxidizer.

[evansp12]

Excellent demonstrations!

[eveningniteshade]

that's crazy!