ssdd - 7-10-2007 at 11:04
So recently in lab I had to add a small amount of KMnO4 to a test tube of 6M HCl. The solution turned dark brown with bubbling and some heat. But when
I turned the tube on it's side I was suprised to find a small amount of metallic like substance stuck to the side of the tube. I attempted to isolate
it and could not. The reaction does not call for this, but I was thinking perhaps some Mn metal? I am baffled so if anyone has any ideas that would be
great.
**The tube was new so impurities are limited.
-ssdd
12AX7 - 7-10-2007 at 11:27
KMnO4 + 8HCl = KCl + MnCl2 + 2.5 Cl2 + 4H2O
You might've been seeing a higher, possibly mixed oxidation state of Mn (in the above reaction, exchange some MnCl2 + Cl2 for "MnCl3" or "MnCl4"),
complexed with Cl, as a metallic glint.
Kind of like your sig.
There's certainly nothing metallic going on here, as Mn metal reacts vigorously with HCl.
Tim
ssdd - 7-10-2007 at 11:51
Thanks that helps, these unexplained things bug the crap out of me so I ask.
Thanks again,
-ssdd