Sodium permanganate is a chemical compound with the formula NaMnO4. It appears as dark purple crystals and is highly soluble in water. This compound is commonly used as an oxidizing agent in various chemical reactions and is also employed in water treatment processes to remove impurities and control odors. In addition to its industrial applications, sodium permanganate is utilized in laboratories for analytical chemistry and as a disinfectant. It can effectively kill bacteria and fungi, making it useful in medical settings for cleaning wounds. However, it should be handled with care due to its strong oxidizing properties.