Understanding the Valency of Manganese and Its Common Oxidation States

Manganese, with its atomic number 25 and electronic configuration [Ar]4s23d5, is part of the d-block elements, which are known for their ability to exhibit variable valencies. This article explores the valency of manganese and its various oxidation states, providing a comprehensive overview for those interested in chemical and physical properties of this versatile element.

Manganese's Oxidation States

The valency of an element is determined by the number of electrons it can lose, gain, or share during a chemical reaction. For manganese, the most common oxidation states are:

2 - This is the most stable and common oxidation state, seen in compounds like manganese(II) oxide (MnO). 4 - Found in compounds such as manganese dioxide (MnO2). 7 - Occurs in potassium permanganate (KMnO4).

The electronic configuration of manganese is [Ar]4s23d5. The presence of electrons in the d-orbital allows manganese to show a wide range of valencies, from -3 to 7.

How to Find the Valency of Manganese

The valency of manganese can be determined by analyzing its common oxidation states. Here are the steps:

Step 1: Identify the Valency Shell

The valency shell is the outermost shell of an atom. For manganese, which has the electronic configuration 4s23d5, the valency shell is the 3d orbital.

Step 2: Determine the Minimum Oxidising State

The minimum oxidising state is equivalent to the number of 's' electrons in the valency shell. For manganese, this is 2, indicating that it can lose 2 electrons.

Step 3: Determine the Maximum Oxidising State

The maximum oxidising state is equal to the number of electrons in the valency shell, which in the case of manganese is 7. This means manganese can gain 7 electrons, making its maximum valency 7.

Examples of Manganese's Oxidation States

Here are some examples of manganese's oxidation states in various compounds:

MnO (Manganese(II) oxide) - Oxidation state is 2. Mn2O3 (Manganese(III) oxide) - Oxidation state is 3. MnO2 (Manganese(IV) oxide) - Oxidation state is 4. Mn2O5 - Oxidation state is 5. MnO42- (Manganate ion) - Oxidation state is 6. MnO4-1 (Permanganate ion) - Oxidation state is 7.

Summary

In conclusion, manganese shows a wide range of valencies due to the involvement of its d-orbital electrons. The most common valencies are 2, 4, and 7, which correspond to the element's ability to lose or gain electrons during chemical reactions. By understanding these valencies, chemists and scientists can better predict and classify the behavior of manganese in different compounds and environments.

Related Keywords

Key terms to remember when discussing the valency of manganese are:

manganese valency oxidation states d-block elements

For further reading and research, visit scholarly articles and scientific journals dedicated to inorganic and physical chemistry.