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Periodic Table/Manganese
25

Mn

54.938

Manganese

Manganez

Transition Metal
Period 4
Group 7
Solid

Manganese is a transition metal with atomic number 25. It is essential in steelmaking, batteries, potassium permanganate chemistry, antioxidant enzymes and the photosynthetic oxygen-evolving complex.

Atomic Number

25

Atomic Mass

54.938 g/mol

Electron Configuration

[Ar] 3d⁵ 4s²

Shells

2 | 8 | 13 | 2

Electronegativity

1.55

Density

7.47 g/cm³

Melting Point

1245.8 °C

Boiling Point

2060.8 °C

Discovered By

Johan Gottlieb Gahn

History

Manganese was isolated by Johan Gottlieb Gahn in 1774 from pyrolusite, a manganese dioxide mineral. The name is related to Magnesia, a historical region also connected with the names magnesium and magnetite.

Isotopes

Manganese-55

Natural abundance: 100%. The only stable naturally occurring isotope of manganese.

Manganese-54

Natural abundance: Synthetic / trace cosmogenic. Half-life: About 312 days. Radioactive isotope used in tracer and environmental studies.
Important Compounds

MnO₂

Manganese DioxideBattery cathode material, oxidizer and glass decolorizer.

KMnO₄

Potassium PermanganateStrong purple oxidizing agent used in water treatment and analytical chemistry.

MnSO₄

Manganese SulfateUsed in fertilizers, animal nutrition and battery materials.

MnO

Manganese(II) OxideCeramic and glass colorant and manganese source.

Mn₂O₇

Manganese(VII) OxideHighly reactive oxide illustrating manganese in the +7 oxidation state.
Uses
  • Steelmaking, where manganese improves hardness, toughness and sulfur removal
  • Manganese dioxide cathode material in zinc-carbon and alkaline batteries
  • Potassium permanganate as a strong oxidizing agent
  • Glass decolorizing and ceramic color applications
  • Fertilizers and animal feed supplements in controlled amounts
Biological Role

Manganese is an essential trace element. It is a cofactor in enzymes such as manganese superoxide dismutase, and a manganese-calcium cluster in photosystem II helps split water during photosynthesis.

Interesting Facts
  • Manganese-55 is the only stable isotope of manganese.
  • Potassium permanganate changes reduction products depending on whether the solution is acidic, neutral or basic.
  • The oxygen released by photosynthesis comes from water splitting at a manganese-calcium cluster.
  • Very high occupational manganese exposure can harm the nervous system, so manganese is essential but dose-sensitive.
Study Notes
  • Manganese has atomic number 25 and belongs to group 7.
  • Its electron configuration is [Ar] 3d⁵ 4s².
  • Manganese shows many oxidation states, commonly +2, +4 and +7.
  • KMnO₄ contains manganese in the +7 oxidation state and is a classic strong oxidizer.
  • Permanganate reduction products depend on pH: acidic solutions often give Mn²⁺, neutral conditions can give MnO₂, and strongly basic conditions can give manganate, MnO₄²⁻.
Manganese FAQ
What is the atomic number of manganese?

The atomic number of manganese is 25.

What is the electron configuration of manganese?

Manganese has the electron configuration [Ar] 3d⁵ 4s².

What is manganese used for?

Manganese is used in steelmaking, batteries, potassium permanganate, glass chemistry, fertilizers and animal nutrition.

Why is manganese important in photosynthesis?

A manganese-calcium cluster in photosystem II helps split water, releasing oxygen during photosynthesis.

What is potassium permanganate used for?

Potassium permanganate is a strong oxidizer used in water treatment, analytical chemistry and some disinfection applications.

What does potassium permanganate form in acidic, neutral and basic solution?

Permanganate commonly reduces to Mn²⁺ in acidic solution, MnO₂ in neutral or weakly basic conditions, and MnO₄²⁻ in strongly basic solution.

What are the common oxidation states of manganese?

Common manganese oxidation states include +2, +4 and +7, with several other states possible in transition metal chemistry.


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