The name ‘Manganese Diacetate’ is incorrect for the compound Mg(C2H3O2)2. This name suggests that manganese is the central metal ion coordinating with two acetate ligands, which is misleading. In reality, the chemical formula indicates that the metal involved is magnesium (Mg), not manganese (Mn).
Breaking it down:
- Incorrect metal name: The compound’s correct metal component is magnesium, not manganese.
- Diacetate usage: While the compound does contain two acetate (C2H3O2–) ions, calling it ‘diacetate’ implies that it is solely composed of manganese acetate rather than involving magnesium as a cation.
The correct name for Mg(C2H3O2)2 is ‘Magnesium Acetate’. This name accurately identifies magnesium as the metal ion and denotes that it is associated with two acetate anions.