Question:
In a modified atmosphere, the potassium permanganate is being used as…….
In a modified atmosphere, the potassium permanganate is being used as…….
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Ethylene Scavengers: $KMnO_4$ is the most common.
$CO_2$ Absorbers: Calcium Hydroxide or Activated Carbon.
Oxygen Scavengers: Iron powder.
Updated On: Aug 7, 2026
- Moisture absorber
- Ethylene producer
- Ethylene absorber
- $CO_2$ absorber
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The Correct Option is C
Solution and Explanation
Step 1: Understanding the Question:
The question identifies the role of potassium permanganate ($KMnO_4$) in active packaging or Modified Atmosphere Packaging (MAP) of fresh produce.
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
• The Ethylene Problem: Fresh fruits and vegetables release ethylene gas ($C_2H_4$), a natural ripening hormone. In a confined space like a package, accumulated ethylene accelerates senescence (aging), softening, and spoilage.
• Potassium Permanganate Role: $KMnO_4$ is a powerful oxidizing agent. When included in a package (usually in a small sachet containing $KMnO_4$ absorbed on alumina or zeolite), it reacts with the ethylene gas.
• Chemical Reaction: $KMnO_4$ oxidizes ethylene into ethylene glycol, which is further oxidized into manganese dioxide ($MnO_2$), water, and carbon dioxide.
• Result: By "scrubbing" or absorbing the ethylene from the atmosphere, $KMnO_4$ slows down the ripening process and significantly extends the shelf life of climacteric fruits like bananas, mangoes, and tomatoes.
Step 3: Final Answer:
Potassium permanganate acts as an ethylene absorber/scavenger in food packaging.
The question identifies the role of potassium permanganate ($KMnO_4$) in active packaging or Modified Atmosphere Packaging (MAP) of fresh produce.
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
• The Ethylene Problem: Fresh fruits and vegetables release ethylene gas ($C_2H_4$), a natural ripening hormone. In a confined space like a package, accumulated ethylene accelerates senescence (aging), softening, and spoilage.
• Potassium Permanganate Role: $KMnO_4$ is a powerful oxidizing agent. When included in a package (usually in a small sachet containing $KMnO_4$ absorbed on alumina or zeolite), it reacts with the ethylene gas.
• Chemical Reaction: $KMnO_4$ oxidizes ethylene into ethylene glycol, which is further oxidized into manganese dioxide ($MnO_2$), water, and carbon dioxide.
• Result: By "scrubbing" or absorbing the ethylene from the atmosphere, $KMnO_4$ slows down the ripening process and significantly extends the shelf life of climacteric fruits like bananas, mangoes, and tomatoes.
Step 3: Final Answer:
Potassium permanganate acts as an ethylene absorber/scavenger in food packaging.
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