By fusion of MnO2 with an alkali metal hydroxide (or carbonate) and
air (or an oxidizing agent such as KNO3 or KClO3), potassium
manganate K2MnO4 is obtained.
2MnO2+4KOH+O2→2K2MnO4+2H2O
Acidification
(with sulphuric acid) of K2MnO4 gives potassium permanganate.
Instead of sulphuric acid, one can also use CO2, Cl2 or
O3.
3K2MnO4+2H2SO4→2KMnO4+MnO2+2H2O+2K2SO4.