[pcm81]

When I was a kid it was pretty common to use 5% iodine solution to disinfect wounds and even treat inflammation by applying a "net" of iodine solution traces over the area.
KMnO4 is often used as disinfecting agent in a dilute solution.

My question is: what is a practical difference between them? Why choose one vs the other?

Looks like iodine is a reducing agent, while KMnO4 an oxidizing agent. Would ascorbic acid work similarly to iodine on biological matter?

[Borek]

Iodine is an oxidizing agent.

Practical differences involve solution stability (iodine being much more stable, permanganate will slowly decompose) and ease of removing stains from clothing (if memory serves me well permanganate stains are more permanent).

[pcm81]

Iodine is an oxidizing agent.

Practical differences involve solution stability (iodine being much more stable, permanganate will slowly decompose) and ease of removing stains from clothing (if memory serves me well permanganate stains are more permanent).

Thank you