Question

# Account for:$\mathrm{MnO}$ is basic whereas ${\mathrm{Mn}}_{2}{\mathrm{O}}_{7}$is acidic in nature why?

Open in App
Solution

## $\mathrm{MnO}$is basic and ${\mathrm{Mn}}_{2}{\mathrm{O}}_{7}$ is acidic because the oxide in the lower oxidation state of a metal is basic and oxide in the higher oxidation state of the metal is acidic.We can find out the oxidation state of manganese in $\mathrm{MnO}$ and ${\mathrm{Mn}}_{2}{\mathrm{O}}_{7}$.In $\mathrm{MnO}$, the oxidation state of oxygen is $-2$.Take the value for manganese as 'x'. Then $x+\left(-2\right)=0.x=+2$.The oxidation state of manganese is $+2$.In ${\mathrm{Mn}}_{2}{\mathrm{O}}_{7}$, the oxidation state of oxygen is $-2$.Take the value for manganese as 'x'. Then $2x+\left(-2×7\right)=0,x=+7$.Manganese is a transition element which is present at the d block of the periodic table.The transition element in the lower oxidation state will give the compound a basic character and the transition element in the higher oxidation state will give the compound an acidic character.Thus, $\mathrm{MnO}$ is basic whereas ${\mathrm{Mn}}_{2}{\mathrm{O}}_{7}$ is acidic in nature.

Suggest Corrections
2
Explore more