Discussion Overview
The discussion revolves around the chemical reaction between manganese oxide from alkaline batteries and hydrochloric acid (HCl). Participants explore the expected products, colors observed, and the nature of the substances formed during the reaction.
Discussion Character
- Exploratory
- Technical explanation
- Debate/contested
Main Points Raised
- One participant inquires about the expected products of mixing manganese oxide with HCl, noting a discrepancy between expected pink coloration and observed green substance.
- Another participant explains that manganese dioxide (MnO2) can react with HCl to produce chlorine gas (Cl2) and manganese chloride (MnCl2), suggesting that concentrated solutions of MnCl2 might appear green.
- A participant asserts that MnCl2 is never green and introduces the idea of Mn(V) ions possibly being involved.
- One participant claims that a dark green gas is released when HCl is added to MnO2, speculating that this might explain the observed color.
- Another participant challenges the idea of observing a dark green color from chlorine gas, arguing that the gas is pale yellow-green and that the participant would likely not survive to report such an observation if the gas were concentrated enough to appear dark green.
- A participant shares personal experimental experience, stating that they observed a dark green chlorine when mixing MnO2 with muriatic acid.
- Another participant corrects a previous statement, clarifying that chlorine is not dark green but rather pale yellow-green, and suggests that the original poster may have been referring to a solid or solution rather than gas.
- A final participant acknowledges the uncertainty surrounding the green substance observed by the original poster.
Areas of Agreement / Disagreement
Participants express differing views on the color of chlorine gas and the nature of the observed green substance, indicating that multiple competing interpretations remain. The discussion does not reach a consensus on the identity of the green substance or the accuracy of the color descriptions.
Contextual Notes
Participants note the ambiguity in the original poster's description, particularly regarding whether the color observed pertains to a gas, solid, or solution. There is also uncertainty about the specific ions involved in the reaction and their potential colors.