Question

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The compound MnO2 could either have a +4 or a +2 oxidation state on the manganese (Mn) atom. Explain how either scenario could occur.

Answer 1

See explanation

Step-by-step explanation:

Manganese is a transition element. All transition elements have incompletely filled d orbitals which ultimately makes them to exhibit a variable oxidation state.

Manganese has electronic configuration of [Ar]4s23d5. This means that two electrons could be lost from the s orbital to yield Mn^2+. Also, two electrons could be lost from both s and d orbitals to yield Mn^4+