Manganese

Alpha-Mn

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Beta-Mn

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KMnO4 in H2O

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Manganese is a chemical element with the symbol Mn and atomic number 25. It is not found as a free element in nature; it is often found in minerals in combination with iron. Manganese is a transition metal with a multifaceted array of industrial alloy uses, particularly in stainless steels.

Characteristics

Manganese is a metal with important industrial metal alloy uses, particularly in stainless steel. It is a hard, brittle, silvery metal, often found in minerals in combination with iron. Manganese is a transition metal with a multifaceted array of industrial alloy uses, particularly in stainless steels.

History

Manganese was first isolated in 1774 by the Swedish chemist Johan Gottlieb Gahn by reducing manganese dioxide (MnO2) with carbon. The name manganese is derived from the Latin word 'magnes', meaning magnet.

Occurrence and Production

Manganese is the twelfth most abundant element in the Earth's crust and is found in many minerals, including pyrolusite (MnO2), rhodochrosite (MnCO3), and manganite (MnO(OH)). The primary mining areas for manganese ores are in South Africa, Australia, China, Brazil, Gabon, India, and Kazakhstan.

Applications

Manganese is essential to iron and steel production by virtue of its sulfur-fixing, deoxidizing, and alloying properties. Steelmaking, including its ironmaking component, has accounted for most manganese demand, presently in the range of 85% to 90% of the total demand.

Alloys

Manganese is a key component in the production of stainless steel and aluminum alloys. It improves the strength, toughness, and wear resistance of these alloys.

Batteries

Manganese dioxide is used as a cathode material in zinc-carbon batteries and alkaline batteries.

Other Uses

Manganese compounds have been used in various applications such as fertilizers, animal feed, and ceramics.

Biological Role

Manganese is an essential trace element in all known living organisms. It functions as a cofactor for a variety of enzymes, including oxidoreductases, transferases, hydrolases, lyases, isomerases, and ligases. In humans, manganese is necessary for the proper functioning of the brain, nervous system, and many of the body's enzyme systems.

Health Effects

While manganese is essential for health in trace amounts, overexposure can lead to a condition known as manganism, a neurodegenerative disorder that causes symptoms similar to Parkinson's disease. Manganese toxicity is a risk for workers in industries such as mining and welding.

See Also

• Periodic table
• Transition metals
• Stainless steel
• Battery (electricity)
• Trace element