Oxidation of Poly (vinyl Alcohol) by Potassium Permanganate

Abstract

Poly (vinyl alcohol)(PVA) is degradated oxidatively in aqueous solution by potassium permanganate (KMnO₄). 4 KMnO₄ molecules are consumed for every cleavage of the bond in the main chain. The ends of each degradated PVA molecule are consisted of about 1.5 carboxyl group and 0.5 carbonyl group. Further there exist about 2-3 carbonyl groups per each molecule as side groups. All the oxygen atoms of consumed KMnO₄ seem to be used for the formation of these groups.