Manganese (Mn)
Transition metal
Manganese is an unsung workhorse: nearly all steel contains it, because it removes impurities and adds toughness. Its dioxide has been used as a pigment since cave-painting times.
Position on the periodic table
Atomic properties
| Atomic number | 25 |
|---|---|
| Atomic mass | 54.938 amu |
| Electron configuration | 1s2 2s2 2p6 3s2 3p6 4s2 3d5 |
| Noble gas shorthand | [Ar] 3d5 4s2 |
| Electrons per shell | 2, 8, 13, 2 |
| Valence electrons (outer shell) | 2 |
| Common oxidation states | +2, +4, +7 |
| Electronegativity (Pauling) | 1.55 |
| Covalent radius (approx.) | 139 pm |
| First ionization energy | 717.3 kJ/mol |
| Electron affinity | -50 kJ/mol |
Physical properties
| State at 25 °C | Solid |
|---|---|
| Density | 7.21 g/cm³ |
| Melting point | 1245.8 °C (1519 K) |
| Boiling point | 2060.8 °C (2334 K) |
| Appearance | silvery metallic |
| Radioactive | No |
| Origin | Occurs naturally |
Electron configuration of manganese
Manganese's ground-state electron configuration is 1s2 2s2 2p6 3s2 3p6 4s2 3d5, usually shortened to [Ar] 3d5 4s2. Its electrons occupy 4 shells (2, 8, 13, 2), placing it in period 4 of the d-block. Explore it interactively in the electron configuration calculator.
Uses of manganese
- Steelmaking (deoxidiser and strengthener)
- Alkaline and zinc-carbon batteries (MnO₂)
- Aluminium drink-can alloys
- Violet glass and ceramic colouring
Biological role: Essential trace element — needed by enzymes for metabolism, bone formation and antioxidant defence.
Occurrence: Twelfth most abundant element in the crust; nodules rich in manganese carpet parts of the deep ocean floor.
Common compounds of manganese
MnO2
Manganese dioxide
KMnO4
Potassium permanganate
History and discovery
Discovered: 1774 — Torbern Olof Bergman. Name origin: From Latin magnes via the Magnesia region — historically confused with magnesium and magnetite.
Johan Gottlieb Gahn isolated manganese in 1774 after Scheele recognised it as an element.
Safety notes
Chronic inhalation of manganese dust or fumes harms the nervous system — an occupational hazard for welders.
Educational context only — always follow your school's laboratory rules and never handle chemicals without proper supervision. See our disclaimer.
Practice questions
Quick practice: Manganese
1. What is the chemical symbol of Manganese?
2. What is the atomic number of Manganese?
3. Which category does Manganese belong to?
4. What is the state of Manganese at room temperature?
5. Which period of the periodic table is Manganese in?
Manganese FAQs
What is the atomic number of manganese?
Manganese's atomic number is 25 — every manganese atom has 25 protons in its nucleus.
What is the symbol for manganese?
Mn. From Latin magnes via the Magnesia region — historically confused with magnesium and magnetite.
Is manganese a metal, nonmetal, or metalloid?
Manganese is classified as a transition metal.
What state is manganese at room temperature?
At about 25 °C, manganese is a solid. It melts at 1245.8 °C.
What is manganese used for?
Key uses include: steelmaking (deoxidiser and strengthener); alkaline and zinc-carbon batteries (mno₂); aluminium drink-can alloys.
Related elements
Keep working with this element
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