Manganese(III) oxide a structure related to the spinel structure of MnO where the oxide ions are cubic close packed. This is similar to the relationship between γ-FeO and FeO. γ-MnO is ferrimagnetic with a Néel temperature of 39 K. Manganese(III) oxide Manganese(III) oxide is a chemical compound with the formula MnO. Heating MnO in air at below 800 °C produces α-MnO (higher temperatures produce MnO). γ-MnO can be produced by oxidation followed by dehydration of manganese(II) hydroxide. Many preparations of nano-crystalline MnO have been reported, for example syntheses involving oxidation of Mn salts or reduction of MnO. Manganese (III) oxide is formed
Manganese function as cofactors for a large variety of enzymes with many functions. Manganese enzymes are particularly essential in detoxification of superoxide free radicals in organisms that must deal with elemental oxygen. Manganese also functions in the oxygen-evolving complex of photosynthetic plants. While the element is a required trace mineral for all known living organisms, it also acts as a neurotoxin in larger amounts. Especially through inhalation, it can cause manganism, a condition in mammals leading to neurological damage that is sometimes irreversible. Manganese is a silvery-gray metal that resembles iron. It is hard and very brittle, difficult to fuse, but