Molybdenum Properties
Molybdenum is an element of the second transition series in Group 6 of the periodic table between chromium and tungsten.
As an alloy in steel it enhances strength, hardenability, weldability, toughness, elevated temperature strength, and corrosion resistance.
Unique properties, which make molybdenum metal and its alloys the material of choice in a variety of high tech applications, include high temperature strength, thermal and electrical conductivity, combined with low thermal expansion and environmental stability.
| Atomic weight | 95.96 |
|---|---|
| Density: | 10.22 g/cm3 |
| High melting temperature | 2623 °C |
| Lowest linear thermal expansion coefficient of the engineering metals | 4.8 x 10-6 / K at 25 °C |
| High thermal conductivity | 138 W/m K at 20°C |
|
Crystal structure Body centered cubic Lattice constant |
a = 3.1470 Å |
Chemically, the outstanding feature of molybdenum is its extraordinary versatility:
- Oxidation states from –II to VI
- Coordination numbers from 4 to 8
- Varied stereochemistry
- The ability to form compounds with inorganic and organic ligands, with particular preference for oxygen, sulfur, fluorine and chlorine donor atoms
- Formation of bi- and poly-nuclear compounds containing bridging oxide or chloride ligands and/or molybdenum-molybdenum bonds.