Manganese(II) oxide

Structure, stoichiometry, reactivity

Like many monoxides, MnO adopts the rock salt structure, where cations and anions are both octahedrally coordinated. Also like many oxides, manganese(II) oxide is often nonstoichiometric: its composition can vary from MnO to MnO_1.045.

Below 118 K MnO is antiferromagnetic. MnO has the distinction of being one of the first compounds to have its magnetic structure determined by neutron diffraction, the report appearing in 1951. This study showed that the Mn²⁺ ions form a face centered cubic magnetic sub-lattice where there are ferromagnetically coupled sheets that are anti-parallel with adjacent sheets.

Manganese(II) oxide undergoes the chemical reactions typical of an ionic oxide. Upon treatment with acids, it converts to the corresponding manganese(II) salt and water. Oxidation of manganese(II) oxide gives manganese(III) oxide.

Preparation and occurrence

MnO occurs in nature as the rare mineral manganosite.
Commercially it is prepared by reduction of MnO₂ with hydrogen, carbon monoxide or methane, e.g.:

MnO₂ + H₂ → MnO + H₂OMnO₂ + CO → MnO + CO₂

MnO can also be prepared by decarbonation of the carbonate:

MnCO₃ → MnO + CO₂

This calcining process is conducted anaerobically to prevent formation of Mn₂O₃.

An alternative route, mostly for demonstration purposes, is the oxalate method, also applicable to the synthesis of ferrous oxide and stannous oxide. Upon heating in an oxygen-free atmosphere (usually CO₂), manganese(II) oxalate decomposes into MnO:

MnC₂O₄·2H₂O → MnO + CO₂ + CO + 2 H₂O

Applications

Together with manganese sulfate, MnO is a component of fertilizers and food additives. Many thousands of tons are consumed annually for this purpose. Other uses include: a catalyst in the manufacture of allyl alcohol, ceramics, paints, colored glass, bleaching tallow and textile printing.