Question

What is the balanced equation that represents the combustion of glycerol by potassium permanganate?

Answer 1

`14KMnO_4(s) + 4C_3H_5(OH)_3(l) rarr 5CO_2(g) + 7K_2CO_3(s) + 7Mn_2O_3(s)+16H_2O(l)`

Explanation:

This is stoichiometrically balanced, as indeed it must be if it reflects chemical reality. The oxidation products are carbon dioxide, and potassium carbonate; the reduction products are a `Mn(III)` oxide. It is a spectacular reaction to do, but do it safely! I have seen a few fires when the reaction does not immediately commence, and the reaction mixture is placed into a waste container, where of course it does commence.