Mn×nF

Mn×nF refers to a class of manganese fluoride compounds with the general formula MnF_n, where n is the number of fluoride ligands per manganese atom. The notation is used to discuss chemistry across different oxidation states of manganese and in nonstoichiometric or complex fluoride systems.

In binary manganese fluorides, MnF2 is the most common and stable under ordinary conditions; MnF3 and higher fluorides exist mainly as transient species, gas-phase molecules, or within complex fluorometalate structures. Their preparation and isolation typically require controlled, fluorine-rich environments, and they can be hydrolytically unstable in air.

Synthesis of MnF2 is commonly achieved by direct fluorination of manganese metal or manganese(II) oxides with fluorine gas at elevated temperature. Higher MnF_n species often arise from fluorination of MnF2 or MnO2 in the presence of additional fluorinating agents, or in specialized gas-phase or solution chemistries. Some MnF_n species are volatile or exist only as part of coordination complexes or solid fluorometalate frameworks.

Structure and properties vary with stoichiometry. MnF2 forms a white crystalline solid with an ionic lattice and a relatively high melting point; higher MnF_n compounds may exhibit polymeric networks or discrete molecular units, and many are unstable in ambient conditions or require nonstandard environments for stability.

Applications of the MnF_n family are mainly academic, serving as probes of manganese chemistry, fluoride coordination, and materials science. MnF2, in particular, is used in studies of magnetism as an antiferromagnet with a Néel temperature around 67 K, and as a precursor in the synthesis of other manganese fluorides.

Safety: fluorides are toxic; handle all MnF_n compounds with appropriate safety precautions and proper ventilation.