Molybdenum Oxide Introduction

Molybdenum oxide is the chemical compound with the formula MoO3. It is a violet-colored solid and is a metallic conductor. It crystallizes in a monoclinic cell, and has a distorted rutile, (TiO2) crystal structure. In MoO2 the octahedra are distorted, the Mo atoms are off-centre, leading to alternating short and long Mo – Mo distances. The short Mo – Mo distance is 251 pm which is less than the Mo – Mo distance in the metal, 272.5 pm. The bond length is shorter than would be expected for a single bond. The bonding is complex and involves a localization of some of the Mo electrons in a conductance band accounting for the metallic conductivity.

The major use of roasted molybdenite concentrate is to add molybdenum to steel produced in the electric arc furnace.The material may be added to the charge or to the molten bath. For the adjustment of the final analysis, the use of roasted molybdenite concentrate is not recommended.

For optimum recovery the following should be observed. If added with the charge, the roasted molybdenite concentrate containing packages should always be covered with scrap or liquid metal. If added to the bath, the product should be introduced under the slag level. If used in the electric arc furnace, direct contact with the electrodes should be avoided.

Analysis of molybdenum oxide

Molybdenum Oxide 57.00% min
Copper 0.50% max
Sulfur 0.10% max
Phosphorus 0.05% max
Material with other copper contents is available.