Glycerol and potassium permanganate

The chemical redox reaction between potassium permanganate and glycerol[1][2][3][4][5][6] is often used to demonstrate the powerful oxidizing property of potassium permanganate, especially in the presence of organic compounds such as glycerol.

The exothermic (heat producing) reaction between potassium permanganate (KMnO4), a strong oxidizing agent, and glycerol (C3H5(OH)3), a readily oxidised organic substance, is an example of an experiment sometimes referred to as a "chemical volcano".

A depression is made at the center of the permanganate powder and glycerol liquid is added to it.

Since the reaction is highly exothermic, initial sparking occurs, followed by a lilac- or pink-colored flame.

[10] When the reaction is complete, it leaves behind a grayish solid with green regions.