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Narrative
A few drops of glycerin are placed into a hollow in a pile of potassium permanganate. Potassium permanganate is a strong oxidizing agent and glycerin is an easily oxidized substance. Consequently a redox type reaction is expected between these two substances. An exothermic reaction does occur with the glycerin boiling giving off smoke and eventually producing a flame that spreads around the pile of potassium permanganate. Eventually all the glycerin is consumed by the permanganate.

Discussion

14KMnO₄ + 4C₃H₅(OH)₃ --> 7K₂CO₃ + 7Mn₂O₃ + 5CO₂ + 16H₂O