Molybdenum trioxide is an inorganic compound with the chemical formula
MoO3cap M o cap O sub 3𝑀𝑜𝑂3. It is a yellow to white crystalline powder that is produced on a large scale as an intermediate for producing molybdenum metal and is used as an industrial catalyst. Its properties include a high melting point (795°C795 °C795°C), a high boiling point (1155°C1155 °C1155°C), and insolubility in water, but solubility in alkaline solutions
Properties and characteristics
- Chemical Formula:
MoO3cap M o cap O sub 3
𝑀𝑜𝑂3
- Appearance: A pale yellow to white crystalline powder, though impure samples can appear blue or green
- Molar Mass:
143.94 g/mol143.94 g/mol
143.94 g/mol
- Density:
4.69 g/cm34.69 g/cm cubed
4.69 g/cm3
- Melting Point:
795°C795 °C
795°C
- Boiling Point:
1155°C1155 °C
1155°C
- Solubility: Insoluble in water, but soluble in alkaline solutions
- Other Names: Molybdic acid anhydride, Molybdenum (VI) oxide
- It is the most widely produced molybdenum compound and is a key intermediate in the production of molybdenum metal.
- It is used as a catalyst in various industrial processes.
- It has applications in areas like solar energy, coatings, and ceramics, especially in its nanoparticle or nanotube form.
