Molybdenum

Figure 1. Molybdenum, with atomic number 42 and atomic weight of 95.95.

Molybdenum is the 42^nd element on the periodic table of elements, and has the sixth highest melting melting point of all the elements. Some of its properties are listed below:

Atomic weight	95.95
Density (at 0oC)	10.2 g/cm3
Boiling point	4912 K
Melting point	2895 K

Molybdenum is a shiny, silvery, transition metal. It can primarily be found in molybdenite ore. Molybdenum is an important element in over fifty different enzymes used by plants and animals.

Molybdenum Uses

Figure 2. Molybdenum metal, crystalline and processed.

Molybdenum is mostly used to make alloys, especially for items that are subjected to high heat (e.g. boilers). It is often used to make steel alloys for engine parts, heating elements, drills, and saw blades. Molybdenum-steel alloys have increased strength, hardness, ppelectrical conductivity]], and corrosion-resistance over regular steel. Molybdenum is used in several superalloys (alloys that excel at multiple desirable characteristics, such as high strength, corrosion resistance, etc.).

Molybdenum compounds are used as a lubricant additives, petroleum catalysts, circuit board inks, pigments, and electrodes.

Isotopes

Molybdenum has seven isotopes found in nature:

Symbol	Natural Abundance
92Mo	14.53%
94Mo	9.15%
95Mo	15.8%
96Mo	16.67%
97Mo	9.60%
98Mo	24.39%
100Mo	9.82%

Video

The video below is from the University of Nottingham's periodic videos project. They have created a complete suite of short videos on every element on the periodic table of elements.

For Further Reading

• Periodic table of elements
• Metal
• Alloy
• Catalyst
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