Manganese (chemical element): properties, application, designation, degree of oxidation, interesting facts

One of the most important metals for metallurgy is manganese. In addition, it is generally quite an unusual element, with which interesting facts are connected. Important for living organisms, necessary for the production of many alloys, chemicals. Manganese is a chemical element, a photo of which can be seen below. It is his properties and characteristics that will be considered in this article.

Characteristics of the chemical element

If we talk about manganese as an element of the periodic system, then first of all it is necessary to characterize its position in it.

1. It is located in the fourth big period, the seventh group, an auxiliary subgroup.
2. The ordinal number is 25. Manganese is a chemical element whose charge of atomic nuclei is +25. The number of electrons is the same, neutrons are 30.
3. The atomic weight is 54,938.
4. The designation of the chemical element of manganese is Mn.
5. The Latin name is manganese.

Located between the chromium and iron, which explains its similarity to them in physical and chemical characteristics.

Manganese - chemical element: transition metal

If we consider the electronic configuration of the reduced atom, then its formula will have the form: 1s ² 2s ² 2p ⁶ 3s ² 3p ⁶ 4s ² 3d ⁵ . It becomes obvious that the element we are considering is a transition metal from the d-family. Five electrons on the 3d sublevel speak of the stability of the atom, which is manifested in its chemical properties.

As a metal, manganese is a reducing agent, but most of its compounds are capable of exhibiting and strong enough oxidizing ability. This is due to the different degrees of oxidation and valencies that this element possesses. This is the feature of all the metals of this family.

Thus, manganese is a chemical element that is located among other atoms and has its own characteristics. Let us consider what these properties are in more detail.

Manganese is a chemical element. Degree of oxidation

We have already given the electron formula of an atom. According to her, this element is able to exhibit several positive degrees of oxidation. It:

• 0;
• +2;
• +3;
• +4;
• +6;
• +7.

The valence of the atom is IV. The most stable are those compounds in which the values of +2, +4, +6 appear in manganese. The highest degree of oxidation allows compounds to act as the strongest oxidants. For example: KMnO ₄ , Mn ₂ O ₇ .

Compounds with +2 are reducing agents, manganese (II) hydroxide has amphoteric properties, with predominance of basic ones. Intermediate indicators of degrees of oxidation form amphoteric compounds.

History of the discovery

Manganese is a chemical element that was discovered not immediately, but gradually by different scientists. However, its compounds have been used since ancient times. Manganese (IV) oxide was used for melting glass. One Italian stated that the addition of this compound in the chemical production of glasses stains their color in violet. Along with this, this same substance helps to eliminate turbidity in colored glasses.

Later in Austria, scientist Kaim managed to obtain a piece of metallic manganese, acting on a high temperature for pyurylisite (manganese oxide (IV)), potash and coal. However, this sample had many impurities, which he could not eliminate, so the discovery did not take place.

Even later, another scientist also synthesized a mixture in which a large proportion accounted for pure metal. It was Bergman, who had previously discovered an element of nickel. However, it was not destined to bring it to the end.

Manganese - a chemical element, to obtain and isolate which in the form of a simple substance was first made by Karl Scheele in 1774. However, he did it together with I. Ghana, who completed the process of smelting a piece of metal. But even they failed to completely eliminate it from impurities and get a 100% yield of the product.

Nevertheless, it was precisely this time that was the discovery of this atom. These same scientists attempted to give the name as pioneers. They chose the term manganese. However, after the discovery of magnesium, confusion began, and the name of manganese was changed to modern (H. David, 1908).

Since manganese is a chemical element whose properties are very valuable for many metallurgical processes, over time it has become necessary to find a way of obtaining it in the most pure form. This problem was solved by scientists from all over the world, but managed to resolve it only in 1919 thanks to the works of R. Agladze - a Soviet scientist-chemist. It was he who found the method by which electrolysis from sulphates and manganese chlorides can be obtained by pure electrolysis with a 99.98% content of the substance. Now this method is used all over the world.

Being in nature

Manganese is a chemical element, a photo of a simple substance of which can be seen below. In nature, there is a mass of isotopes of this atom, the number of neutrons in which strongly fluctuates. Thus, the mass numbers vary from 44 to 69. However, the only stable isotope is an element with a value of ⁵⁵ Mn, all the others have either a negligible half-life or exist in too small amounts.

Since manganese is a chemical element whose oxidation degree is very different, it also forms many compounds in nature. In its pure form, this element does not occur at all. In minerals and ores, his constant neighbor is iron. In total, you can designate several of the most important rocks, which include manganese.

1. Pyrolusitis. The formula for the compound is MnO ₂ * nH ₂ O.
2. Psilomelan, a molecule of MnO2 * mMnO * nH2O.
3. Manganite, the formula MnO * OH.
4. Browns are less common than others. Formula Mn ₂ O ₃ .
5. Gaussmanite, the formula Mn * Mn ₂ O _4.
6. Rhodonite Mn ₂ (SiO ₃ ) ₂ .
7. Carbonate ores of manganese.
8. Raspberry or rhodochrosite - MnCO ₃ .
9. Purpurite - Mn ₃ PO ₄ .

In addition, it is possible to designate several more minerals, which also include the element under consideration. It:

• calcite;
• siderite;
• Clay minerals;
• chalcedony;
• opal;
• Sandy-silty compounds.

Besides mountain and sedimentary rocks, minerals, manganese is a chemical element that is a part of the following objects:

1. Plant organisms. The largest accumulators of this element are: water nut, duckweed, diatoms.
2. Rusty mushrooms.
3. Some types of bacteria.
4. The following animals: red ants, crustaceans, mollusks.
5. People - daily need about 3-5 mg.
6. The waters of the World Ocean contain 0.3% of this element.
7. The total content in the earth's crust is 0.1% by mass.

In general, this is the 14th most common element of all on our planet. Among heavy metals, it is second after iron.

Physical properties

From the point of view of the properties of manganese, as a simple substance, we can distinguish several basic physical characteristics for it.

1. In the form of a simple substance it is a fairly solid metal (on the Mohs scale, the figure is 4). Color - silvery-white, air-coated with a protective oxide film, glistens on the cut.
2. The melting point is 1246 ^° C.
3. The boiling point is 2061 ^° C.
4. The conductor properties are good, it is a paramagnet.
5. The density of the metal is 7.44 g / cm ³ .
6. It exists in the form of four polymorphic modifications (α, β, γ, σ), differing in the structure and form of the crystal lattice and in the packing density of atoms. Their melting point also differs.

In metallurgy, three basic forms of manganese are used: β, γ, σ. Alpha is less frequent, because it is too fragile in its properties.

Chemical properties

From the point of view of chemistry, manganese is a chemical element whose ion charge varies greatly from +2 to +7. This leaves its imprint on its activity. In a free form in the air, manganese reacts very little with water, dissolves in dilute acids. However, it is only necessary to increase the temperature, as the activity of the metal increases sharply.

So, he is able to interact with:

• Nitrogen;
• Carbon;
• Halogens;
• Silicon;
• Phosphorus;
• Gray and other non-metals.

When heated without air, the metal easily passes into a vapor state. Depending on the degree of oxidation that manganese exhibits, its compounds can be either reducing agents or oxidizing agents. Some exhibit amphoteric properties. Thus, the main characteristics are for compounds in which it is +2. Amphoteric - +4, and acidic and strong oxidizing in the highest value of +7.

Despite the fact that manganese is a transition metal, complex compounds for it are few. This is due to the stable electronic configuration of the atom, because the 3d sublevel of it contains 5 electrons.

Methods of obtaining

There are three main ways in which manganese (a chemical element) is produced in industry. As we read in Latin the name, we already denoted - manganum. If you translate it into Russian, it will be "yes, really clear up, discolor". By its name, manganese owes its properties to the properties known from antiquity.

However, despite the popularity, it was only in 1919 that it was available for use in pure form for use. It is done by the following methods.

1. Electrolysis, the yield of the product is 99.98%. In this way, manganese is produced in the chemical industry.
2. Silicothermic, or silicon recovery. With this method, fusion of silicon and manganese oxide (IV) occurs, resulting in the formation of pure metal. The yield is about 68%, since the combination of manganese and silicon with a silicide goes side by side. This method is used in the metallurgical industry.
3. Aluminothermic method - recovery with aluminum. Also does not give too high a yield of the product, manganese is formed contaminated with impurities.

Production of this metal is important for many processes carried out in metallurgy. Even a small addition of manganese can greatly affect the properties of alloys. It is proved that many metals dissolve in it, filling up its crystal lattice.

In terms of production and production of this element, Russia ranks first in the world. Also this process is carried out in such countries as:

• China.
• SOUTH AFRICA.
• Kazakhstan.
• Georgia.
• Ukraine.

Use in industry

Manganese is a chemical element, the use of which is important not only in metallurgy. But also in other areas. In addition to metal in pure form, various compounds of this atom are of great importance. Let us denote the main ones.

1. There are several types of alloys, which, thanks to manganese, have unique properties. For example, Hadfield's steel is so durable and wear-resistant that it is used for melting parts of excavators, stone processing machines, crushers, ball mills, armor components.
2. Manganese dioxide is an obligatory oxidizing element of electroplating, it is used to create depolarizers.
3. Many compounds of manganese are needed for the realization of organic syntheses of various substances.
4. Potassium permanganate (or manganese) is used in medicine as a strong disinfectant.
5. This element is part of the bronze, brass, forms its own alloy with copper, which serves for the manufacture of aircraft turbines, blades and other parts.

Biological role

The daily requirement for man in manganese is 3-5 mg. Deficiency of this element leads to depression of the nervous system, sleep disturbance and anxiety, dizziness. Its role is not fully understood yet, but it is clear that, first of all, it influences:

• growth;
• The activity of the gonads;
• Work of hormones;
• Formation of blood.

This element is present in all plants, animals, man, which proves his important biological role.

Interesting information about the element

Manganese is a chemical element, interesting facts about which can impress any person, as well as make it clear how important it is. Here are the most basic of them, which found their mark in the history of this metal.

1. In the hard times of the civil war in the USSR, one of the first export products was ore, containing a large amount of manganese.
2. If manganese dioxide is fused with potassium hydroxide and nitrate, and then the product is dissolved in water, then amazing transformations will begin. First the solution turns green, then the color changes to blue, then - the violet. Finally, it will become crimson and gradually a brown precipitate will fall out. If the mixture is shaken, then the green color will recover and everything will happen again. It is for this that the potassium permanganate has its name, which translates as "mineral chameleon".
3. If fertilizers containing manganese are introduced into the soil, the productivity of plants will increase and the speed of photosynthesis will increase. Winter wheat will better shape the grain.
4. The largest block of mineral of manganese rhodonite weighed 47 tons and was found in the Urals.
5. There is a triple alloy called manganin. It consists of elements such as copper, manganese and nickel. Its uniqueness lies in the fact that it has a great electrical resistance, which does not depend on temperature, but is influenced by pressure.

Of course, this is not all that can be said about this metal. Manganese is a chemical element, interesting facts about which are quite diverse. Especially if we talk about the properties that it gives different alloys.