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What is Baeyer’s Reagent?

Answer: Baeyer’s reagent is a cold potassium permanganate alkaline solution (KMnO4). It’s a strong oxidising agent that’s utilised in qualitative organic analysis to check for unsaturation. When this solution reacts with an unsaturated chemical (such as an alkene or alkyne), the colour changes from pinkish-purple to brown.  

The alkene is reduced to manganese dioxide while the permanganate is oxidised to 1,2-diol (MnO2) Because the reaction does not affect alkanes or aromatic compounds, it can be used to separate them from alkenes and alkynes.

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The name of the reagent comes from Adolf Von Baeyer, a German organic scientist and Nobel laureate.

Baeyer’s Reagent Preparation:

  • To make a 1 percent potassium permanganate solution, dissolve 1 gramme of solid KMnO4 in 100 mL distilled water.

  • Shake the stoppered vial with 10 grammes of anhydrous sodium carbonate ( Na2CO3) until fully dissolved.

  • When not in use, store the solution in a dark, cool cabinet to keep it fresh.

  • Baeyer’s reagent has a weight of 52.6 grammes.

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Baeyer’s reagent is used to oxidise alkene and alkyne compounds.

Alkene compounds can be converted to diols, while alkyne compounds can be converted to vicinal diketones or dialdehydes (Vic-diketones or 1,2-diketones) or carboxylic acids under more aggressive circumstances.

Baeyer’s reagent and alkynes:

Baeyer’s reagent can oxidise alkyne compounds to vicinal diketones or dialdehydes (Vic-diketones or 1,2-diketones) or carboxylic acids under more intense circumstances. Increase the alkalinity of the solution by adding potassium hydroxide to create more vigorous conditions (KOH). KOH is a very powerful alkali.

Applications of Bayer’s Reagent in Organic Chemistry:

It is used in qualitative organic analysis to test for the presence of unsaturated alkenes and alkyne groups and as a powerful oxidising agent. When Baeyer’s reagent interacts with alkene and alkyne, it changes colour from pinkish-purple to brown (due to the formation of manganese dioxide). Other applications of Baeyer’s reagent include:

  • Medical applications

  • Treatment of water

  • Organic compound synthesis

  • Analytical applications

  • Preserving fruits

  • Kits for survival

  • the fire department