KMnO4 shelflife

[Vaaguh]

On the label from an old Merck KMnO4 can there is a shelflife date reading 31.10.01.

A quick test using a drop of motor oil with a little bit of the KMnO4 gave a small fire so the KMnO4 seems reactive.

Is there any non commercial reason why a shelf life like that is stated?

[hest]

nope, it will last longer than you

[Nicodem]

Is there any non commercial reason why a shelf life like that is stated?

Yes, an excellent reason: They want you to buy a new package.

[Chimitant]

I think the plastic conatiners they sell chemicals in don´t have eternal life. Maybe that they may might degrade and become permeable to air ? On the other hand, I have a rather large collection of plastic containers filled with cehmicals and almost all are in perfect conditions despite their age (3-15 years old). Maybe Nicodem is right after all and is the only reason money (as always).