Molybdenum hexacarbonyl

Chemical properties

WHITE TO LIGHT YELLOW CRYSTALLINE POWDER

The Uses of Molybdenum hexacarbonyl

Alumina supported molybdenum hexacarbonyl acts as an active catalyst. It is used to synthesize MoO and MoC nanowires by electron beam induced deposition.

The Uses of Molybdenum hexacarbonyl

Plating molybdenum, i.e., molybdenum mir-rors; intermediate.

The Uses of Molybdenum hexacarbonyl

It is used as a catalyst in many organicsynthetic reactions.

General Description

Molybdenum hexacarbonyl is a colorless compound that sublimates and decomposes without melting at 150^oC. It has an octahedral structure. Inherent sublimation of molybdenum hexacarbonyl permits it to perform as an active liquefaction catalyst. To form a catalyst it is adsorbed on dehydroxylated alumina forming subcarboyls.

Hazard

Decomposes above 150C to evolve carbonmonoxide.

Health Hazard

Molybdenum hexacarbonyl is a highly toxicsubstance. It is listed in Toxic SubstanceControl Act. Acute symptoms includeheadache, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, andfever. Because of its low vapor pressure,the risk of exposure of this compound,however, by inhalation is lower than thatfrom the volatile tetra- or pentacoordinatedmetal carbonyls. Ingestion of the compoundcan cause death. Absorption of its solutionthrough skin may cause severe poisoning,manifesting the same effects as those fromother routes of exposure.

Fire Hazard

It reacts violently with strong oxidizers. Contact with concentrated acids is expected to be violent. Its solutions are susceptible to detonate spontaneously (Owen 1950). Ethereal solutions of this compound can explode on extended storage (Bretherick 1995).

Purification Methods

Sublime it in a vacuum before use [Connor et al. J Chem Soc, Dalton Trans 511 1986]. TOXIC.