In preparation of chlorine from HCl, $ MnO_2 $ acts as
In the preparation of chlorine from HCl, $MnO_2$ acts as an oxidizing agent. The reaction is: $$ 4HCl + MnO_2 \rightarrow MnCl_2 + Cl_2 + 2H_2O $$ Here, $MnO_2$ helps in the oxidation of HCl, releasing chlorine gas.