Molybdenum Dioxide (MoO2) is a compound that is found in nature, but can also be made synthetically. It is an oxide of molybdenum, which is a transition element in the sixth group of the periodic table. This compound is a strong oxidant with a wide range of applications.
In its elemental form molybdenum is a hard and brittle silver-gray metal similar in appearance to iron. It does not corrode easily and is a very good conductor of both electricity and heat. Molybdenum has many uses in industry and is an important alloying element. It is used in the manufacture of steel, non-ferrous alloys, lubricants and electrodes.
Molybdenum dioxide is produced by heating molybdenum powder in air until the desired oxidation state is reached. The resulting compound is a greyish-black, non-combustive solid with a melting point of 3210C and a boiling point of 6500C. It is insoluble in water, but can be dissolved in mineral acids.
The most common use of molybdenum dioxide is in catalysts for the production of chemicals such as plastics and pharmaceuticals. MoO2 is used as an oxidizing agent in the production of nitrostarch, a type of inert, environmentally-friendly ammunition. It is also used in the synthesis of pyridines and quinolines.
Molybdenum dioxide is an important component of many ceramics, superconductors and electrochromic materials. It is used in optical sensors and as an infrared absorber in night vision devices. It is also used in the making of varistors, which are components used in the protection of electrical circuits from sudden current surges.
Molybdenum dioxide has numerous other applications. It is used as an inhibitor in the manufacture of gas masks and diving suits, as well as a fire-retardant in hygiene products, wire and cable coatings. It is also used in the catalytic oxidation of hydrocarbons, in electronics, and in the production of dyes and pigments.
In addition, molybdenum dioxide is an important reagent in the lab and is used in the combining of powders, in the manufacture of coatings, and in analytic chemistry. It is also used as a flux in soldering and and as an oxidizing agent in the production of phosphorus oxides.
Molybdenum dioxide is a versatile compound with many important applications. It is an important component of many alloys and is used in the production of a wide range of products. Its ability to act as an oxidizing agent makes it an important reagent in industry and in organic and inorganic chemistry.
