Manganese(III) Oxide: Key Facts

(manganese iii oxide)

Formula: Mn2O3. This oxide features manganese in the +3 oxidation state.
Appearance: Typically a black or dark brown crystalline solid. It is insoluble in water.
Occurrence: Found naturally as the mineral bixbyite, though rare. More common manganese minerals like pyrolusite (MnO2) and hausmannite (Mn3O4) are primary sources.
Production: Industrially produced by heating manganese(II) oxide (MnO) or manganese(IV) oxide (MnO2) in air. Controlled thermal decomposition of MnO2 around 800°C yields Mn2O3. Reduction of MnO2 with hydrogen also forms it.
Thermal Behavior: Mn2O3 decomposes upon strong heating (above 940°C) to Mn3O4 and oxygen gas. This thermal instability is significant.
Applications: Its primary modern use is as a precursor material. It’s crucial in manufacturing ferrite magnets for electronics and lithium-ion manganese oxide (LMO) cathode materials for batteries. Historically used as a pigment (manganese brown) in ceramics and glass. Acts as a catalyst in certain oxidation reactions, like converting ammonia to nitric oxide, and in organic synthesis.
Hazard Note: Like many manganese compounds, Mn2O3 dust can be hazardous if inhaled over prolonged periods, potentially affecting the nervous system. Handle with appropriate precautions. It is not considered highly toxic via skin contact or ingestion, but standard chemical handling procedures apply.

(manganese iii oxide)

Key Property: Mn2O3 is a stable intermediate oxide, bridging the common Mn(II) and Mn(IV) states, making it valuable in material synthesis and redox chemistry.
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