Layman's difference between KMnO4 & KFO2N

[DozerIAm]

I hope I can get some help here, I am looking for a layman's explanation of the difference between Layman's difference between KMnO4 & KFO2N.

I ask because in last year's seasons of several survival tv shows, they showed them starting fires via a chemical reaction between Glycerin and Potassium Permanganate. I did some research, and Potassium Permanganate is sold as a fish pond chemical. Here is where it gets interesting. If you do a Google search on Potassium Permanganate, you see chemical supply houses selling KMnO4, and you see pool supply stores selling it under the name "pot-perm", but in small print you may be getting either KMnO4 or KFO2N.

Which is the one they likely used on the tv shows to start fires?

 

[chemisttree]

KFO2N is not a chemical name while potassium permanganate (KMnO4) is.

"KFO2N" is a product name like "409" cleaner.

...but in small print you may be getting either KMnO4 or KFO2N.

Where is this 'fine print' you referred to?

 

[DozerIAm]

Great, that clears it up, thank you!

The small print I referred to is usually text on the sticker on the front of the bottle, somewhere below the giant print "POT PERM". Some said KMnO4, some said KFO2N, and some just didn't say. Thanks for laying it out for me, now it makes sense.

 

[chemisttree]

OK, I thought maybe the KFO2N was in the small print of the ingredient list.

 

[LudusRex]

KMnO4 and KFO2N are both chemical compounds that contain the element potassium. However, they have different chemical formulas and properties. KMnO4 is potassium permanganate, while KFO2N is potassium monofluorooxidonitrate.

The main difference between these two compounds is their chemical composition and reactivity. KMnO4 is a strong oxidizing agent, meaning it readily accepts electrons from other substances in a chemical reaction. It is commonly used in water treatment, as a disinfectant, and in laboratory experiments.

On the other hand, KFO2N is a much milder oxidizing agent and is not as commonly used in chemical reactions. It is primarily used in the production of insecticides and herbicides.

In terms of starting fires, KMnO4 would be the more likely compound used. Its strong oxidizing properties allow it to react vigorously with glycerin, producing heat and igniting a fire. KFO2N, being a weaker oxidizing agent, may not produce the same level of heat and would not be as effective in starting a fire.

In summary, KMnO4 and KFO2N are different chemical compounds with different properties and uses. KMnO4 is commonly used in water treatment and as a disinfectant, while KFO2N is primarily used in the production of pesticides. KMnO4 is also the more likely compound to be used in starting fires due to its strong oxidizing properties.