~Uses, Properties, and Compounds~

Chemical Properties and Reaction Tendencies

Molybdenum has oxidation states that can range from II to VI. The oxidation states tell how many electrons can be removed from the element and which ions can be formed. Molybdenum’s varied oxidation states make it possible to react with many different kinds of elements to form compounds however it tends to react primarily with oxygen, sulfur, fluorine, and chlorine. Molybdenite, molybdenum’s most important compound, is formed with molybdenum with an oxidation state of IV. In its lower oxidation states, molybdenum can also react with carbon. The chemical properties of molybdenum allow it to react with oxygen to form oxide compounds then be reduced using hydrogen.

Molybdenum is often described as a “heavy metal” though unlike other elements to which it is compared, it is not as toxic. However, in larger doses, molybdenum is highly toxic to humans and animals.

Compounds

            The one of the most important compounds formed with molybdenum is molybdenite, MoS₂. It was with molybdenite that molybdenum was first discovered and it is the ore that is mined today. From molybdenite, another important compound containing molybdenum is obtained, MoO₃. This molybdenum oxide is broken down through hydrogen reduction and pure molybdenum metal is produce. Other compounds formed with molybdenum include oxides, sulfides, fluorides, chlorides, and iodides.

 Compounds Formed with Molybdenum

Uses

One primary use of molybdenum metal is that it is used in alloys of mainly steel and iron. In the alloy, molybdenum is combined with steel or iron and other elements improve the quality and usefulness of the metal. Molybdenum in steel and iron alloys improves the strength of the metal and helps it to withstand higher temperatures. Molybdenum has been used in alloy metals for automobiles, aircraft, and weaponry and molybdenum is almost always used in alloys that are made to endure high temperatures. It was first used as an alloying metal in steel alloys during World War I. Its use in alloys died down after the end of the war but it was then used again in alloys in World War II and after.

Another important use of molybdenum is a use of its compound molybdenite, MoS₂ as a lubricant. Molybdenite is a soft, almost greasy compound when it is solid and when it is crushed into a powder it can be used as a try lubricant for machinery, much like Teflon pots and pans. The molybdenite lubricant is able to withstand high temperatures and extreme pressure. The dry lubricant can be placed between surfaces to allow machinery to operate smoother without pieces sliding out of place.

One last usage for molybdenum is as an element in the human body, although the human body only needs very little amounts of molybdenum to function. Molybdenum helps with the functioning of some enzymes in the body and aids in some metabolism. Also, amounts of molybdenum can help to prevent tooth decay and strengthen tooth enamel. The presence of too much molybdenum in the human body however can cause hallucinations and seizures and it must be balanced with copper in the body as to not become toxic.

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