Manganese Dioxide, often symbolized as MnO₂, is a critical inorganic compound with various applications in our everyday life. As a chemical compound, it naturally occurs as the mineral pyrolusite, which is the main ore of manganese and a vital component in the production of steel.

Properties of Manganese Dioxide

Chemical formula : MnO₂

Appearance : Brown-black solid

Density : 5.03 g/cm³

Molecular weight : 86.9368 g/mol

Melting point : 535 °C

Odour : Odourless

Solubility : Insoluble in water

Applications of Manganese Dioxide

1. Primarily, Manganese Dioxide is known for its use in batteries.

2. Batteries: Manganese Dioxide is an essential component in the production of alkaline batteries and zinc-carbon batteries due to its property as a good electron acceptor.

3. Water Treatment: Due to its oxidative properties, it’s often used in water treatment plants to remove iron and other impurities from water.

4. Chemical Reactions: Manganese dioxide serves as a catalyst in chemical reactions, especially for the oxidation of allylic alcohols.

5. Used in Ceramic Industries for making glass, practically all the raw materials used in glass contain some iron, usually in the form of ferric oxide.

6. Ores of manganese are not ‘active’ for direct use in dry cell manufacture and many of them need to be activated by physical or chemical treatment.

7. Used in glassmaking to remove the green tint caused by iron impurities.