Potassium permanganate (KMnO4). Molar mass 158.034 g/mol. Also known as potassium manganate(VII), chameleon mineral, Condy's crystals, permanganate of potash and hypermangan. Potassium permanganate is a chemical compound, a purplish-black crystalline solid, that dissolves in water to give intensely pink or purple solutions. It is widely used in chemical industry and laboratories as a strong oxidizing agent. It is used as a medication for dermatitis, for cleaning wounds, and general disinfection. It is on the World Health Organization's List of Essential Medicines, the safest and most effective medicines needed in a health system.