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Manganese dioxide
Manganese(IV) oxide.jpg
Rutile-unit-cell-3D-balls.png
IUPAC name Manganese oxide
Manganese(IV) oxide
Other names Pyrolusite, hyperoxide of manganese, black oxide of manganese, manganic oxide
Identifiers
CAS number 1313-13-9
PubChem 14801
EC number 215-202-6
ChEBI CHEBI:136511
RTECS number OP0350000
SMILES O=[Mn]=O
Properties
Molecular formula
Molar mass 0 g mol-1
Appearance Brown-black solid
Density 5.026 g/cm3
Melting point
insoluble
+2280.0·10−6 cm3/mol
Thermochemistry
Std enthalpy of
formation ΔfHo298
−520 kJ·mol−1
Standard molar
entropy So298
53 J·mol−1·K−1
Hazards
EU classification Harmful (Xn)
Oxidizer (O)
NFPA 704

NFPA 704.svg

1
1
2
 
R-phrases R20/22
S-phrases (S2), S25
Related compounds
Other anions Manganese disulfide
Other cations Technetium dioxide
Rhenium dioxide
Except where noted otherwise, data are given for materials in their standard state (at 25 °C, 100 kPa)

Manganese dioxide, also known as manganese(IV) oxide, is a common chemical compound made from manganese and oxygen. Its chemical formula is MnO2. This means it has one manganese atom and two oxygen atoms. It looks like a black, powdery solid.

Manganese dioxide is very important in many everyday items. It is often used inside batteries to help them work. You can also find it naturally as a mineral called pyrolusite.

What is Manganese Dioxide?

Manganese dioxide is a compound where manganese is in a special state called the +4 oxidation state. This state helps it react in different ways. It's a very stable compound, meaning it doesn't easily break down.

Manganese(IV) oxide
Manganese(IV) oxide is a black powder.

Where is it Found?

Manganese dioxide is found all over the world as the mineral pyrolusite. This mineral is a main source for getting manganese metal. Pyrolusite often forms in areas where water has helped minerals settle over time.

How is it Used?

Manganese dioxide has several important uses:

  • In Batteries: It's used as a "depolarizer" in alkaline and Leclanche batteries. This means it helps prevent gases from building up inside the battery, which keeps the battery working longer and more efficiently.
  • In Chemistry: It can be used in labs to make other chemicals. For example, it helps produce chlorine gas.
  • In Glassmaking: Small amounts of manganese dioxide can be used to remove the green tint from glass, making it clearer. It can also be used to give glass an amethyst (purple) color.
  • As a Pigment: Because of its dark color, it has been used as a pigment (a coloring agent) in paints and ceramics.

Properties of Manganese Dioxide

Manganese dioxide is a solid that is brown-black in color. It is quite dense, meaning a small amount of it weighs a lot. It does not dissolve in water. If heated to about 535 degrees Celsius (995 degrees Fahrenheit), it starts to break down.

Rutile-unit-cell-3D-balls
The structure of manganese dioxide is similar to rutile, a mineral with a repeating pattern of atoms.

Safety Information

Like many chemicals, manganese dioxide should be handled carefully. It is considered a harmful substance if swallowed or inhaled. It can also act as an oxidizer, which means it can help other materials burn. Always follow safety rules when working with chemicals.

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