Testing of Oxides in inside a chemical tank using KMnO4 and metanol?

Question

In a Chemical tanker ship we are conducting a test called permanganate time test. We are testing the presence of oxides in the tank by taking samples from the dried tanks with methanol. If we pour methanol through the sides of the tank, then the methanol collected will having oxides in it. Then 50 ml of that sample and 2 ml of KMnO4 are taken in a test tube, and we took standard methanol and KMnO4. If the sample solution cointains oxides, then the colour of the test solution will differ from the std. solution. Please tell me the equation with oxidation states and a small note about the theory of it

Answer 1

Permanganate Time Test

The Permanganate time is used to judge the presence of oxidizable materials that may be associated with contamination during distribution and to access compliance with a specification. The test is based on the ability of potassium permanganate (KMnO4) to oxidise hydrocarbon impurities that could be present in the wall wash liquid. If there is a reaction in a neutral solution, the potassium permanganate is reduced and changes its colour from pink-orange to yellow-orange. The more impurities the faster a change in colour occurs.



MnO4- + 8H+ + 5e- ® Mn2+ + 4H20