Manganese(III) oxide is a chemical compound with the formula Mn₂O₃. It occurs in nature as the mineral bixbyite and is used in the production of ferrites and thermistors.

Properties of Manganese(III) Oxide

Chemical formula : Mn₂O₃

Molar mass : 157.8743 g/mol

Appearance : brown or black crystalline

Density : 4.50 g/cm³

Melting point : 888 °C

Solubility : insoluble in ethanol, acetone ; soluble in acid, ammonium chloride

Uses of Manganese(III) Oxide

1. Catalyst: Manganese trioxide is used as a catalyst to facilitate the reaction rate in many chemical reactions, especially in ammonia synthesis and oxidation reactions.

2. Pigments and ceramics: It is a raw material used in the manufacture of ceramics and pigments, especially for the production of brown and black pigments.

3. Glass Manufacturing: Manganese trioxide is used in the glass industry as a decolorizing agent and clarifier to help improve the transparency and quality of glass.

4. Electronic Materials: It can be used as a raw material for electronic components, such as resistors and thermistors.

5. Metallurgical industry: In metallurgical processes, manganese trioxide is used as a desulfurizer to help remove sulfur from metals.

6. Battery Material: It can be used as a battery electrode material, especially in some types of lithium batteries.

7. Scientific Studies: Manganese trioxide is used as a model compound in scientific research to study the chemical properties and redox processes of manganese.