Product Notes

HANDLING, STORAGE, AND INCOMPATIBILITY
Protect containers against physical damage. When handling potassium permanganate, respirators should be worn to avoid irritation of or damage to mucous membranes. Eye protection should also be worn when handling potassium permanganate as a solid or in solution.

Potassium permanganate is stable and will keep indefinitely if stored in a cool, dry area in closed containers. Concrete floors are preferred to wooden decks. To clean up spills and leaks, follow the steps recommended in the MSDS. Be sure to use goggles, rubber gloves, and respirator when cleaning up a spill or leak.

Avoid contact with acids, peroxides, and all combustible organic or readily oxidizable materials including inorganic oxidizable materials and metal powders. With hydrochloric acid, chlorine gas is liberated. Potassium permanganate is not combustible, but will support combustion. It may decompose if exposed to intense heat. Fires may be controlled and extinguished by using large quantities of water. Refer to the MSDS for more information.

CORROSIVE PROPERTIES
Potassium permanganate is compatible with many metals and synthetic materials. Natural rubbers and fibers are often incompatible. Solution pH and temperature are also important factors. The material must be compatible with either the acid or alkali also being used.

In neutral and alkaline solutions, potassium permanganate is not corrosive to iron, mild steel, or stainless steel; however, chloride corrosion of metals may be accelerated when an oxidant such as permanganate is present in solution. Plastics such as polypropylene, polyvinyl chloride Type I (PVC I), epoxy resins, fiberglass reinforced plastic (FRP), Penton, Lucite, Viton A, and Hypalon are suitable. Teflon FEP and TFE, and Tefzel ETFE are best. Refer to Material Compatibility Chart.

Aluminum, zinc, copper, lead, and alloys containing these metals may be (slightly) affected by potassium permanganate solutions. Actual studies should be made under the conditions in which permanganate will be used.

SHIPPING
Potassium permanganate is classified by the Hazardous Materials Transportation Board (HMTB) as an oxidizer. It is shipped under Interstate Commerce Comission’s (ICC) Tariff 19.

Proper Shipping Name: Potassium Permanganate (RQ-100/45.4)
Hazard Class: Oxidizer
Identification Number: UN 1490
Label Requirements: Oxidizer
Packaging Requirements: 49 CFR Parts 100 to 199,
Sections: 173.152, 173.153, 173.194
Shipping Limitations:
Minimum quantities:
Rail car: See Tariff for destination
Truck: No minimum

REPACKING
When potassium permanganate is repacked, the packing, markings, labels, and shipping conditions must meet applicable Federal regulations. See Code of Federal Regulations-49, Transportation (parts 100-199) and Federal Hazardous Materials Substances Act, 15 U.S.C. 1261.