INTRODUCTION
Molybdenum was coin from the Greek word molybdos, meaning lead; the two metals had previously been confused.Its chemical properties is similar to that of chromium.
It is a silvery white, tough, malleable metal.It is dissolved by dilute nitric acid and aqua regia, and is attacked by fused alkalies; it is not attacked by air at ordinary temperatures, but at elevated temperatures.
BASIC INFORMATIONS
- Atomic Number
- 42
- Atomic Mass
- 95.95
- Atomic radius
- 0.129
- Ionization energy
- 685
- Electronic config
- 2,8,18,13,1
- Principal Valency
- +1
- Density g/cm³
- 10.28
- Melting point °C
- 2623
- Boiling point °C
- 4639
- Type of Element
- Metal
- Electronegativity
- 1.8
- Element Category
- Chromium Group
- Appearance
- Silvery white solid
- Block
- d-block
- Period
- 5
- Group
- 6
- No of Isotopes
- 33
- Occurrence
- Combine form
- Abundance in ppm
- 1.2
- Year of Discovery
- 1778
EXTRACTION
It is obtain by reducing it's oxide
OXIDATION STATES
+6,+5,+4,+3,+2,+1,-1,-2 (Strongly Acidic)
MAJOR SOURCE
Wulfenite and Molybdenite
EXAMPLES OF COMPOUND PRESENT
Molybdenum oxide
ECONOMIC IMPORTANCE
* Its alloy withstands high temperatures and pressures and is very strong, making it useful for structural work, aircraft parts, and forged automobile parts.
* Molybdenum sulfide is used as a lubricant in environments requiring high temperatures.
* Its wire is used in electron tubes, and the metal also serves as electrodes in glass furnaces.
* It is an important trace element in soils, where it contributes to the growth of plants.