Question:

Which of the following is an example of ethylene absorber?

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Active Packaging Scavengers:
ETHYLENE ABSORBER = POTASSIUM PERMANGANATE ($\text{KMnO}_4$ on alumina).
Oxygen Scavenger = Ferrous Iron powder.
Moisture Absorber = Silica gel Molecular sieves.
  • Alumina
  • Silica gel
  • Potassium permanganate
  • Ferrous sulphate
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The Correct Option is C

Solution and Explanation

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Active packaging scavenging chemistry for postharvest fruit ripening control: Potassium permanganate ($ ext{KMnO}_4, 4-6\%$) impregnated on activated alumina/zeolite oxidizes gaseous ethylene ($ ext{C}_2 ext{H}_4$) into ethylene glycol and manganese dioxide, delaying climacteric fruit ripening.
Key Formula or Approach:
\[ 3 \; \text{C}_2\text{H}_4 + 2 \; \mathbf{KMnO_4} + 4 \; \text{H}_2\text{O} \longrightarrow 3 \; \text{CH}_2\text{OH-CH}_2\text{OH (Ethylene Glycol)} + 2 \; \mathbf{MnO_2 \downarrow} + 2 \; \text{KOH} \]

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:

In active packaging and post-harvest preservation technology:
- Ethylene ($\text{C}_2\text{H}_4$) is a natural plant hormone gas that triggers and accelerates respiration, senescence, softening, and ripening in climacteric fruits.
- Ethylene Scavengers Absorbers (C):
1. The universal commercial chemical ethylene scavenger is Potassium Permanganate ($\text{KMnO}_4$) (usually $4\% - 6\%$ impregnated onto porous inert carriers like activated alumina, silica gel, or zeolites).
2. $\text{KMnO}_4$ is a powerful oxidizing agent that irreversibly oxidizes ethylene gas into non-volatile ethylene glycol, acetic acid, $\text{CO}_2$, and water, while the deep purple permanganate reduces to brown manganese dioxide ($\text{MnO}_2$).
3. (Silica gel is a moisture desiccant; Ferrous sulphate/iron powder is an oxygen scavenger).

Step 3: Final Answer:

Hence, Potassium permanganate is an example of ethylene absorber, matching option (C).
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