Historical information

Potassium permanganate is an inorganic chemical compound with the chemical formula KMnO4. Formerly known as permanganate of potash or Condy's crystals, it is a strong oxidizing agent. It dissolves in water to give intensely pink or purple solutions, the evaporation of which leaves prismatic purplish-black glistening crystals. c1859 London chemist Henry Bollmann Condy had an interest in disinfectants; he found that fusing pyrolusite with sodium hydroxide (NaOH) and dissolving it in water produced a solution with disinfectant properties. He patented this solution, and marketed it as 'Condy's Fluid'. Although effective, the solution was not very stable. This was overcome by using potassium hydroxide (KOH) rather than NaOH. This was more stable, and had the advantage of easy conversion to the equally effective potassium permanganate crystals. This crystalline material was known as 'Condy's crystals' or 'Condy's powder'. Potassium permanganate was comparatively easy to manufacture.

Physical description

A brown glass bottle with a red plastic topped cork stopper for 'Tromax' , 'Purple Crystals' ie Permanganate of Potash , that was used as an antiseptic and disimfectant.

Inscriptions & markings

TROMAX BRAND / PURPLE CRYSTALS/ or Permanganate of Potash / (Poisonous )/ For Household and Medicinal Uses / 2oz. / TROMAX / A PRODUCT OF/ SIGMA Co.Ltd. / MANF. CHEMISTS / MELBOURNE.
Directions for Use are on back of bottle