Purple Flame

Purple Flame

Science Background:

Any chemical reaction that results in atoms having their oxidation numbers changed is called a redox (reduction-oxidation) reaction. Oxidation describes either the loss of electrons or hydrogen, or the increase of oxygen or oxidation state of a molecule. Reduction describes the gain of electrons or hydrogen or the loss of oxygen or decrease of the oxidation state of a molecule. It is not entirely accurate, but the reaction can be roughly described by saying that the Oxidizing agent (potassium permanganate) “wants” more electrons and accepts them from the Reducing agent (glycerol) which wants to give them up.

Materials: potassium permanganate, glycerin, crucible or watch glass