What does manganate mean?
A manganate is an inorganic compound or ion containing manganese in the +6 oxidation state. The most important example is the manganate ion, MnO4²⁻, together with salts such as potassium manganate, K₂MnO₄. Manganate solutions are characteristically green and can act as strong oxidizing agents, although they are less stable than the closely related permanganate ion. The distinction is chemically important: manganate contains manganese in oxidation state +6, while permanganate, MnO4⁻, contains it in +7 and forms the familiar deep-purple permanganate solutions used for disinfection, analytical work, and organic chemistry. Although manganate is a specialized term rather than an everyday word, it is useful when discussing inorganic compounds, oxidation states, and the properties of transition-metal oxyanions. Potassium manganate has also historically been used in water treatment, where its oxidizing action can help destroy microorganisms and remove unwanted coloration.
nounA salt or ion containing manganese in the +6 oxidation state, especially the green manganate ion, MnO4²⁻. Its most familiar salt is potassium manganate, K₂MnO₄.
- The divalent anion MnO4²⁻, or any salt containing this ion.
"Potassium manganate is a strong oxidizing agent and was historically used to purify water."
"The green solution of potassium manganate changed to purple as permanganate formed."
"Manganate ions act as powerful oxidizing agents under suitable conditions."
Used when referring to multiple manganese(VI) compounds or manganate ions.
"Several manganates can be prepared by oxidizing suitable manganese compounds in strongly alkaline solution."
Green manganate and purple permanganate look like unrelated chemicals, but they differ by only one oxidation state of manganese.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does manganate come from?
The word was formed in the 19th century from manganese and the chemical suffix -ate, used in the names of salts and oxyanions. It follows the established naming pattern in which -ate forms correspond to the higher oxidation state of an element. Manganate therefore names manganese(VI) compounds, contrasting with manganous, manganic, and permanganate terminology associated with other oxidation states.
How manganate is actually used
The term is primarily used in inorganic chemistry. In formulas and systematic names, it is distinct from permanganate, MnO₄⁻.
Easily confused with manganate
Manganate contains manganese in the +6 oxidation state and is typically green, whereas permanganate contains manganese in the +7 state and is typically purple.