NaMnO4

NaMnO4, or sodium permanganate, is an inorganic compound that represents the sodium salt of permanganic acid. Its formula is NaMnO4, in which manganese is in the +7 oxidation state as the permanganate ion MnO4−. In solid form, sodium permanganate is typically encountered as a purple or dark crystalline salt and dissolves readily in water to give a deep purple solution characteristic of permanganate species.

Compared with the more widely used potassium permanganate (KMnO4), sodium permanganate is less common and somewhat less stable in some conditions. It is available from chemical suppliers as an anhydrous solid or in hydrated forms, and its aqueous solutions behave similarly to other permanganate solutions, delivering strong oxidizing power.

Applications of NaMnO4 are similar to those of other permanganates. It serves as a strong oxidizing agent in organic synthesis, in environmental remediation, and in analytical chemistry for redox titrations. In acidic media, permanganate oxidizes substrates and is reduced to Mn2+, while in basic media the chemistry can vary and may involve formation of manganese-containing oxides depending on the conditions. Because of its oxidizing strength, NaMnO4 can also act as a disinfectant in certain water-treatment contexts, though KMnO4 is more commonly used in practice.

Safety is a key consideration with sodium permanganate. It is a powerful oxidizer and can pose fire hazards when in contact with organic materials or reducing agents. It can cause skin and eye irritation and should be handled with appropriate protective equipment in a well-ventilated area, away from acids, reducing agents, and incompatible substances. Storage should be cool, dry, and protected from moisture and organic materials.