Can anyone help me understand what is goin on in the reaction.

 

KMnO4 + H2SO4 ----> HMnO4 + K2SO4

 

Or would the KMno4 just go in solution.

 

when u touch anything organic to it it ignited and lets off a purple smoke what is it?

 

Thanks

I have written an entire webpage on this reaction and started a thread about this:

 

http://www.scienceforums.net/forums/showthread.php?t=19655

 

You obtain Mn2O7. This is VERY reactive and in the gas phase it is purple. Look at the webpage for some nice pictures of the stuff and a fairly detailed description of the chemistry behind this.