What is the name of the compound with the formula MnSO4 ?
The correct answer and explanation is:
The correct name of the compound with the formula MnSO₄ is Manganese(II) sulfate.
Explanation:
To understand the name Manganese(II) sulfate, let’s break it down by looking at the components of the chemical formula:
1. Mn – Manganese:
Manganese is a transition metal. Transition metals can have multiple oxidation states, meaning they can form more than one kind of ion. For example, manganese can exist as Mn²⁺, Mn³⁺, Mn⁴⁺, etc. Because of this, we use Roman numerals to indicate the specific oxidation state in the compound’s name.
2. SO₄ – Sulfate:
Sulfate is a polyatomic ion with the formula SO₄²⁻, carrying a -2 charge.
3. Determining the Charge of Manganese:
Since sulfate has a -2 charge and the compound MnSO₄ is neutral overall, manganese must balance the -2 charge of the sulfate. That means manganese has a +2 charge in this compound.
So, the manganese ion here is Mn²⁺, and this is specified in the name as (II), following the naming convention for transition metals.
4. Putting It All Together:
- Cation (metal): Manganese(II) → Mn²⁺
- Anion (non-metal or polyatomic ion): Sulfate → SO₄²⁻
- Name: Manganese(II) sulfate
Additional Notes:
- This compound is a salt formed by the reaction of manganese(II) oxide or manganese metal with sulfuric acid.
- Manganese(II) sulfate is pink or pale red in its hydrated form and is commonly used in fertilizers, ceramics, and as a precursor in the production of other manganese compounds.
So, MnSO₄ is named Manganese(II) sulfate, with the Roman numeral indicating the +2 oxidation state of manganese.