Absorption Spectrum of Potassium Permanganate

Preparation of 0.1M KMnO4, determination of λmax, and determination of absorption at λmax.

1. Prepare ~15 ml of a 0.10M aqueous solution of Potassium Permanganate (KMnO4)

using crystalline KMnO4, deionized H2O, and a graduated cylinder.

Note: KMnO4 is a strong oxidizer. If you spill on your hands or

clothing, expect to see a brown color form (KMnO2).

Note: The tilde (~ , above) means approximately. Calculate the amount

of KMnO4 that you will need for 15 mL of solution. When weighing, you
will find that while adding crystal by crystal toward the end of the
weighing ceremony, suddenly you will go from having too little KMnO4
to having too much. Having a single crystal too much is not a problem!
Simply calculate the correct volume of solution that will give exactly
0.10M KMnO4.

Note: Remember to dissolve the KMnO4 crystals in less than the final
desired volume (aim for ~ 90% here). Once the crystals are fully
dissolved, bring to solution to the correct volume by adding additional
H2O to give the final volume needed for 0.10M KMnO4.

2. Determine the λmax for your KMnO4 solution.

a. Use the Genesys spectrophotometer. (Read the hyperlinked instructions before
lab time.)
b. Set up the spectrophotometer for scanning.
c. Set interval (λ) to 5 nm.
d. Set scan from 400 nm to 700 nm.
e. Use 1 mL cuvettes with 10 mm path length.
f. Save data to disk and transfer the data to your computer.
g. Calculate the absorbency at λmax for your KMnO4 solution.
h. Enter your data (λmax, absorbency at λmax of diluted solution, dilution factor; and
calculated absorbency of the 0.10 M KMnO4 ) into the class data spreadsheet.
Note: If your solution is too concentrated to measure accurately, it must be
diluted prior to determining λmax and the absorbency at λmax . Remember
to adjust your reported absorbency for the original 0.10M KMnO4 solution
by any dilution.

3. Turn in your results at the beginning of next week’s laboratory.

a. Calculate the molar absorptivity (extinction coefficient) for KMnO4 (Є) based on
your data.
b. Compare your result to that of the class average.
c. Compare your result along with the class average result to that found in chemical
reference books. (Cite your reference source(s)!)
d. Use the report format provided below:
Name: _____________________
Date: _____________________
Circle Lab. Section Tuesday 2-5, Tuesday evening, Thursday 2-5, Thursday evening

1) λmax 1 for KMnO4 = _______________________

2) λmax 2 for KMnO4 = _______________________

3) Є at λmax 1 for KMnO4 = _______________________

4) Є at λmax 2 for KMnO4 = _______________________

5) Absorbence of 0.10M KMnO4 at λmax 1 = ___________________

6) Absorbence of 0.10M KMnO4 at λmax 2 = ____________________

7) Class data for KMnO4 absorbence λmax 1 = __________________

8) Class data for KMnO4 absorbence λmax 2 = __________________
9) Attach a spreadsheet of your data. (Remember to label all rows and columns appropriately.)
10) The spreadsheet should include a graph of Absorbence vs wavelength.
(The graph needs an appropriate title and labels for the ordinate and abscissa too. Make sure
data points are clearly presented. The graph should be a XY scatter plot. Never use a line
graph in this class. )
11) How is the Є useful?
BIOL 307 Cell Biology Laboratory

Materials needed for each laboratory section: Tuesday 2-5, Tuesday evening, Thursday 2-5,
Thursday evening.

1) Two wide-mouth containers, each with 2 grams KMnO4 (crystalline), [to be

dispensed from by students and weighed during lab]
2) 25 mL graduated cylinders
3) Two small spatulas, to fit above containers
4) Two analytical balances, 0.1mg accuracy
5) Two brushes for cleaning analytical balances, located by balances
6) Two waste containers for spilt KMnO4, located by balances
7) Twenty small weighing boats / tares, polyethylene
8) Six Genesys spectrophotometers with floppy disks
9) Six cuvette racks
10) Twenty 1 mL cuvettes for Genesys spectrophotometer, plastic, square
11) Twenty 4 mL cuvettes for Genesys spectrophotometer.
12) Ten 10 mL beakers
13) Twenty 2 mL microcentrifuge tubes, polyethylene
14) Ten microcentrifuge tube racks
15) One Laser Printer and computer interface for printer.
16) Eight (1000 µL, 100µL, 10µL) adjustable Micropipettes
17) Eight sets of containers with disposable micropipette tips for above micropipettes
18) One container for used cuvettes
19) One container for used KMnO4 microcentrifuge tubes
20) Three dispensers of labeling tape, one on each central bench
21) Eight sharpies for marking glassware / polyethylene tubes