The name of MnBr2 is
The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
The correct name of MnBr₂ is manganese(II) bromide.
Explanation
MnBr₂ is an example of an ionic compound composed of a transition metal (manganese) and a halide (bromine). Understanding the name “manganese(II) bromide” requires breaking down both the formula and the rules for naming compounds that contain transition metals.
Manganese belongs to the transition metals (Group 7 of the periodic table). Transition metals often exhibit multiple oxidation states, meaning a single element like manganese can form ions with different positive charges (e.g., Mn²⁺, Mn³⁺, etc.). Because of this variability, the oxidation state of the metal in the compound must be specified in the compound’s name using Roman numerals.
In MnBr₂, bromine (Br) is a halogen, which typically forms a -1 anion, written as Br⁻. Since there are two bromide ions, each with a -1 charge, the total negative charge in the compound is -2. To balance this, the manganese cation must have a +2 charge. This makes the cation Mn²⁺.
Since manganese is present in the +2 oxidation state, its name is written as manganese(II). The Roman numeral “(II)” directly reflects the +2 charge on the manganese ion.
The second part of the compound’s name comes from bromine. When forming the anion, bromine becomes bromide (Br⁻), following the standard rule of changing the element’s suffix to “-ide.”
Putting this together, the complete and correct name of MnBr₂ is manganese(II) bromide. This name precisely communicates the chemical makeup of the compound, including both the identity of the elements and the oxidation state of the metal. Proper nomenclature ensures clarity and prevents confusion in chemical communication, especially when dealing with elements like manganese that can form more than one type of ion.
