Which oxide of manganese is most acidic in nature?

Options

A. `MnO`
B. `Mn_(2)O_(7)`
C. `Mn_(2)O_(3)`
D. `MnO_(2)`

Answer

To determine which oxide of manganese is most acidic in nature, we can follow these steps:

### Step 1: Identify the Oxides of Manganese
We are given four oxides of manganese:
1. MnO
2. Mn2O7
3. Mn2O3
4. MnO2

### Step 2: Determine the Oxidation State of Manganese in Each Oxide
Next, we need to calculate the oxidation state of manganese in each of these oxides.

1. **For MnO:**
- Oxygen has an oxidation state of -2.
- Let the oxidation state of Mn be \( x \).
- The equation becomes:
\[ x + (-2) = 0 \implies x = +2 \]

2. **For Mn2O7:**
- Let the oxidation state of Mn be \( x \).
- The equation becomes:
\[ 2x + 7 \times (-2) = 0 \implies 2x - 14 = 0 \implies 2x = 14 \implies x = +7 \]

3. **For Mn2O3:**
- Let the oxidation state of Mn be \( x \).
- The equation becomes:
\[ 2x + 3 \times (-2) = 0 \implies 2x - 6 = 0 \implies 2x = 6 \implies x = +3 \]

4. **For MnO2:**
- Let the oxidation state of Mn be \( x \).
- The equation becomes:
\[ x + 2 \times (-2) = 0 \implies x - 4 = 0 \implies x = +4 \]

### Step 3: Compare the Oxidation States
Now we have the oxidation states of manganese in each oxide:
- MnO: +2
- Mn2O7: +7
- Mn2O3: +3
- MnO2: +4

### Step 4: Determine the Most Acidic Oxide
The acidic character of oxides generally increases with the oxidation state of the central metal. Therefore, the oxide with the highest oxidation state will be the most acidic.

From our calculations, the highest oxidation state is +7 in **Mn2O7**.

### Conclusion
Thus, the oxide of manganese that is most acidic in nature is **Mn2O7**.

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