Sciencemadness Discussion Board

Overall Equation for the Chemical Chameleon

MrHomeScientist - 22-2-2011 at 12:41

I figured I'd post this in Beginnings as it seems to be a very straightforward and simple question, yet I've done a lot of searching and found no real information on this.

What is the overall balanced equation for the reaction that takes place during the classic "chemical chameleon" color change reaction?
I know that the KMnO4 is reduced by table sugar in an alkaline solution over a number of steps that ends in suspended particles of MnO2. What I haven't been able to find is, what is the sugar oxidized to? And where does the potassium ion end up?

Here's what I think happens (need help with the question marks!)
KMnO4 + C6H12O6 + OH-(?) --> MnO2 + ?

I'm curious as to what's actually going on. Thanks!