Manganese(II,III) oxide Manganese(II,III) oxide Manganese(II,III) oxide is the chemical compound with formula MnO. Manganese is present in two oxidation states +2 and +3 and the formula is sometimes written as MnO.MnO. MnO is found in nature as the mineral hausmannite. MnO formed when any manganese oxide is heated in air above 1000 °C. Considerable research has centred on producing nanocrystalline MnO and various syntheses that involve oxidation of Mn or reduction of Mn. MnO has been found to act as a catalyst for a range of reactions e.g. the oxidation of methane and carbon monoxide; the decomposition of NO, the reduction of
Manganese and copper. However, exposure to manganese dusts and fumes should not exceed the ceiling value of 5 mg/m even for short periods because of its toxicity level. Manganese poisoning has been linked to impaired motor skills and cognitive disorders. The permanganate exhibits a higher toxicity than the manganese(II) compounds. The fatal dose is about 10 g, and several fatal intoxications have occurred. The strong oxidative effect leads to necrosis of the mucous membrane. For example, the esophagus is affected if the permanganate is swallowed. Only a limited amount is absorbed by the intestines, but this small amount shows severe effects