Question

Which salt absorbs ethylene effectively during storage of apple?

• A. KMnO\(_4\)
• B. K\(_2\)SO\(_4\)
• C. KCl
• D. KNO\(_3\)

Hint:

Ethylene speeds up apple ripening. To extend storage life, ethylene needs to be removed. Potassium permanganate (KMnO\(_4\)) is a chemical widely used for this purpose because it oxidizes ethylene gas, effectively 'scrubbing' it from the air.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Ethylene (C\(_2\)H\(_4\)) is a plant hormone that acts as a ripening agent. Apples are climacteric fruits, meaning they produce ethylene and their ripening is accelerated by it. During storage, ethylene produced by the apples can lead to over-ripening and reduced shelf life. Therefore, removing or absorbing ethylene from the storage atmosphere is beneficial.
(1) KMnO\(_4\) (Potassium permanganate): This is a strong oxidizing agent. It effectively removes ethylene from the air by oxidizing it to ethylene glycol, and further to carbon dioxide and water. KMnO\(_4\) is commonly incorporated into various absorbent materials (like alumina pellets or sachets) used as ethylene scrubbers in fruit storage.
(2) K\(_2\)SO\(_4\) (Potassium sulfate): A stable salt, not an ethylene absorbent.
(3) KCl (Potassium chloride): A stable salt, not an ethylene absorbent.
(4) KNO\(_3\) (Potassium nitrate): A stable salt, used as a fertilizer, not an ethylene absorbent. Therefore, potassium permanganate is the salt that effectively absorbs (or more accurately, oxidizes and removes) ethylene. KMnO_4