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molybdenum [Mo]
From the Greek molybdos meaning lead (its primary ore was once confused with a lead compound). Discovered in 1778 by the Swedish chemist Carl Welhel Scheele.
Occurrence:
-> found primarily in the ore molybdenite (MoS2)
Characteristics:
1) silvery-white hard metal
2) resembles chromium & tungsten
3) molybdenum compounds have low toxicity
4) molydenum has oxidation states Mo+4, Mo+5, Mo+6
Uses:
1) trace element in plant & animal metabolism
a) nitrogen fixation
b) cofactor in enzymes (xanthine dehydrogenase)
2) alloys:
a) strengthening & hardening steel
b) stainless steel
Related
Mo+6
molybdenum in specimen
General
trace element
metal
Properties
SIZE: AW = 95.94
atomic number
VALUE: 42
VALENCE: KR 4D5 5S1
Database Correlations
PUBCHEM cid=23932
References
- Webster's Ninth New Collegiate Dictionary, Miriam-
Webster Inc. Springfield, MA 1990
- Chemical & Engineering News, Sept 8, 2003