Baeyer's reagent



Baeyer's Reagent is used in organic chemistry as a test for the presence of unsaturation, such as double bonds (a similar test can be performed with bromine). It is a solution of alkaline potassium permanganate, which is a powerful oxidant. Reaction with double or triple bonds (-C=C- or -C≡C-) in an organic material causes the color to fade from purplish-pink to brown. Aldehydes and formic acid (and formic acid esters) also give a positive test.

It is named for the German organic chemist Adolf von Baeyer.