What is the formula for manganese(IV) oxide?
The correct answer and explanation is:
The formula for manganese(IV) oxide is MnO₂.
Manganese(IV) oxide is an inorganic compound consisting of manganese and oxygen. The “(IV)” in the name indicates that manganese has an oxidation state of +4 in this compound. Manganese is a transition metal, which can exhibit various oxidation states, including +2, +3, +4, +6, and +7. In the case of manganese(IV) oxide, manganese is in the +4 oxidation state.
The oxide ion (O²⁻) has a charge of -2. To balance the charges in the compound, the manganese must have a charge of +4. In the formula MnO₂, there is one manganese ion (Mn⁴⁺) and two oxide ions (O²⁻), which together result in a neutral compound.
Manganese(IV) oxide is commonly found in nature as the mineral pyrolusite, which is used as a key ore for extracting manganese. It is also widely used as a catalyst in various chemical reactions, including the decomposition of hydrogen peroxide, and as an oxidizing agent in some industrial processes.
In its solid form, MnO₂ is typically a black or dark brown powder. It is insoluble in water, which makes it useful in various industrial applications where its chemical properties, rather than its solubility, are important. In addition, manganese(IV) oxide plays a role in electrochemical processes, such as in the construction of dry cell batteries, where it serves as a cathode material.