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Potassium permanganate, KMnO4, is a strong oxidizing agent and is reduced when it reacts. Here a ~10^-3M solution of potassium permanganate in a pipette is added to a beaker containing a primary alcohol (70% ethanol). Alcohol reduces violet Mn 7+ to nearly colorless Mn 2+. A dropperful of 1M NaOH has been added to the alcohol to promote a greater oxidation speed. (KEYSTONE/SCIENCE SOURCE/GIPhotoStock)