Molybdenum
Molybdenum is a chemical element. It has the chemical symbol Mo. It has the atomic number 42. It has 35 isotopes. The name Molybdenum is from the Greek meaning "leadlike". The color of pure molybdenum is silvery-white. It does not occur naturally, and is made from molybdenite.[1]
Uses
It is used in alloys with other metals like stainless steel. It helps to make metal stronger, especially in high temperatures, and makes it less likely to rust.[2] This makes it good for use in high speed tools, such as drills and saw blades.[2] It is used in aircraft and missile parts, as well as in nuclear reactors.[1] It is also not toxic, so it is used in making metal bowls for use in making food, medicines and other chemicals.[2]
History
Molybdenum was used for many years before it was identified in 1778 by Swedish scientist, Carl Wilhelm Scheele. In 1782, Peter Jacob Hjelm was able to separate it into a dark powder he called "molybdenum".[3] It was first mined in 1916 at Climax, near Leadville, in Colorado.
Molybdenum Media
Keggin structure of the phosphomolybdate anion (P[Mo12O40]3−), an example of a polyoxometalate
Euhedral, hexagonal molybdenite on quartz, from Molly Hill mine, Quebec, Canada. The large crystal is 15mm across (corner to corner).
Molybdenum world production
A plate of molybdenum copper alloy
Structure of the FeMoco active site of nitrogenase
The molybdenum cofactor (pictured) is composed of a molybdenum-free organic complex called molybdopterin, which has bound an oxidized molybdenum(VI) atom through adjacent sulfur (or occasionally selenium) atoms. Except for the ancient nitrogenases, all known Mo-using enzymes use this cofactor.
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 "Molybdenum". periodic.lanl.gov. Archived from the original on 2009-02-28. Retrieved 2009-06-20.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 "Molybdenum - Rio Tinto". www.riotinto.com. Archived from the original on 2009-07-15. Retrieved 2009-06-20.
- ↑ "Visual Elements - Molybdenum". www.rsc.org. Retrieved 2009-06-20.
