Chemical Chameleon; Step-wise reduction of Potassium Permanganate

Table sugar (sucrose) is added to a solution of potassium permanganate (KMnO4) under alkaline conditions (NaOH). As KMnO4 is reduced the observed colour is changed from the deep pink to brown of MnO2. KMnO4 is reduced through a relatively complex sequence with the oxidation of sucrose which is observed by the change in colour.