Molybdenum 

 

Data Zone

Classification:Molybdenum is a transition metal

Color:silvery-white

Atomic weight:95.94

State:solid

Melting point:2623 oC, 2896 K

Boiling point:4640 oC, 4913 K

Electrons:42

Protons:42

Neutrons in most abundant isotope:56

Electron shells:2,8,18,13,1

Electron configuration:[Kr] 4d5 5s1

Density @ 20oC:10.2 g/cm3  

Discovered by: Carl Wilhelm Scheele in 1778

 

Molybdenum is a silvery-white, high-melting metal.

It does not react with oxygen or water at room temperature and it also resists corrosion at ordinary temperatures.

When present in compounds, molybdenum exists mostly in the oxidation state IV and VI.

Molybdenum is one of the five major refractory metals (metals with very high resistance to heat and wear).

The Five Refractory Metals – note their close relationship in the periodic table

 

41 Nb

42 Mo

73 Ta

74 W

75 Re

 

 

The other refractory metals are tungsten, tantalum, rheniumand niobium.

Molybdenum oxide (MoO3) is soluble in alkaline water, forming molybdate salts

 

As a trace mineral, molybdenum has numerous roles in biological processes that happen regularly, although its exact functions are not well understood. Molybdenum does everything from protecting cells and creating energy to helping vital organs get rid of waste products. It’s not common to be deficient in molybdenum -- you’ll get it from whole grains and nuts, as well as a little from animal foods and produce. However, you can go overboard on your molybdenum intake, which can be dangerous

.

You need just 45 micrograms of molybdenum daily to meet the recommended dietary allowance set by the Food and Nutrition Board of the Institute of Medicine. You only require more -- 50 micrograms -- if you’re pregnant or breast-feeding. Molybdenum can be toxic in doses over 2,000 micrograms a day. Unless you take a molybdenum supplement, you’re not likely to get too much just from your diet. Toxic levels of molybdenum can cause goutlike symptoms, organ damage, neurological dysfunctions, deficiencies of other minerals or even seizures.

 

Molybdenum deficiencies are very rare among humans; therefore most practitioners do not recommend supplements

 

 

By: Irán García.