Synonyms:
Manganese dichloride; Manganese (II) chloride
Uses:
Manganese(II) chloride describes a series of compounds with the formula MnCl2(H2O)x, where the value of x can be 0, 2, or 4. The tetrahydrate is a pink salt that occurs naturally as the rare mineral scacchite. Most commonly, the term "manganese(II) chloride" refers to the tetrahydrate MnCl24H2O, which consists of octahedral trans-Mn(H2O)4Cl2 molecules. The dihydrate MnCl22H2O is also known. Many Mn(II) species are characteristically pink. Manganese chloride is used as a catalyst in the chlorination of organic compounds, in animal feed, and in dry-cell batteries. (Metallic manganese is used primarily in steel production to improve hardness, stiffness, and strength. It is also used in carbon steel, stainless steel, and high-temperature steel, along with cast iron and superalloys).