Molybdenum-Metalpedia

Molybdenum
Mo is the symbol for molybdenum, which is a chemical element in group VIB of the periodic table with an atomic number of 42. Its density is 10.2 g•cm−3. The melting point and boiling point of molybdenum are respectively 2896 K (2623°C, 4753°F) and 4912 K (4639°C or 8382°F). Molybdenum is a silvery-white, hard, transition metal with a very high melting point, high level of thermal conductivity, high corrosion resistance and a low coefficient of thermal expansion. It does not visibly react with oxygen or water at room temperature. In nature, it does not occur as a free metal, but rather in various oxidation states in minerals. Owing to the diverse functions of molybdenum enzymes, molybdenum is also a required element for life in all higher organisms (eukaryotes). With its good performance, molybdenum is widely used in alloys, chemicals, electrical products, fertilizers, medical imaging and so on.