Manganese (25)

Manganese metal is gray-white, resembling iron, but is harder and very brittle. The metal is reactive chemically, and decomposes cold water slowly. Manganese is widely distributed throughout the animal kingdom. It is an important trace element and may be essential for utilization of vitamin B. Manganese is present in quantity the floor of oceans. It is an important component of steel.

•Name: Manganese
•Symbol: Mn
•Atomic number: 25
•Atomic weight: 54.938045
•Standard state: solid at 298 K
•CAS Registry ID: 7439-96-5
•Group in periodic table: 7
•Period in periodic table: 4
•Block in periodic table: d-block
•Color: silvery metallic
•Classification: Metallic

Historical information

Manganese was discovered by Johann Gahn at 1774 in Sweden. Origin of name is from the Latin word "magnes" meaning "magnet", or "magnesia nigri" meaning "black magnesia" (MnO2). Manganese metal was isolated by Gahn in 1774. He reduced the dioxide (MnO2, as the mineral pyrolusite) with charcoal (essentially carbon) by heating and the result was a sample of the metal manganese.

Physical properties

•Melting point: 1519 [or 1246 °C (2275 °F)] K
•Boiling point: 2334 [or 2061 °C (3742 °F)] K
•Density of solid: 7470 kg m-3

Orbital properties

•Ground state electron configuration: [Ar].3d5.4s2
•Shell structure: 2.8.13.2
•Term symbol: 6S5/2

Isolation

It is not normally necessary to make manganese in the laboratory as it is available commercially. Nearly all manganese produced commercially is used in the steel industry as ferromanganese. This made by the reduction of iron oxide, Fe2O3, and manganese dioxide, MnO2, in appropriate proportions with carbon (as coke) in a blast furnace. Pure manganese is available through the electrolysis of manganese sulphate, MnSO4

Interesting Facts:

1. Manganese (English) Manganèse (French) Mangan (Deutsch) Manganese (Italian) Manganeso (Spanish) Mangan (Swedish)

2. Manganese is used most commonly in steel production to help improve strength, durability, and toughness.

3. It can be used in medicine to help support the immune system, regulate your blood sugar, and maintain bone regulation and reproduction.

4. It is also used in gasoline to reduce engine knock, and is used in alkaline batteries

5. The metal has been known to impair motor skills and cause cognitive disorders, if inhaled.

6. Manganese is found in large quantities on the floor of oceans.

7. This element may be used for drying black paints or in the preparation of oxygen and chlorine.

8. In nature, manganese may be essential for processing vitamin B1.

9. The metal is often used in quantitative analysis.

10. Fact: Manganese Helps to Prevent Bone Loss and Premenstrual Symptoms

11. Manganese often works as a trace mineral to facilitate important reactions in the body.

12. Manganese is known for helping people treat osteoporosis.

13. Manganese is an Antioxidant Facilitator, protecting cells from damage that occurs from the presence of free radicals. 14

14. Manganese Plays a Role in Stabilization of Body Functions

Manganese plays a role in the carbohydrate metabolism and the control of cholesterol levels. Carbohydrate metabolism, blood sugar control and thyroid function are all managed by manganese in the diet. Manganese deficiencies can have an adverse effect on brain function and reproduction.

15. Manganese May Alleviate Symptoms Associated with Epilepsy and Rheumatoid Arthritis (yay for me if this is so!)