Molybdenum trioxide

Synonyms

Molybdenum(VI) oxide; Mo-1202T; Molybdena; Molybdenum oxide (MoO3); Molybdenum peroxide; Molybdenumperoxide; Molybdic acid anhydride; Molybdic anhydride; Molybdic oxide; Molybdic trioxide; Natural molybdite; [ChemIDplus]

Category

Metals, Inorganic Compounds

Description

White or slightly yellow to slightly bluish solid; [Merck Index] Light green odorless powder; Partially soluble in water (1.07 g/L at 18 deg C); [MSDSonline] A soluble compound; [ACGIH]

Sources/Uses

Used primarily in steel production as a corrosion inhibitor (~80-90%),then catalyst for refineries (~10%), then super alloys (~5%); [IARC Monograph 118] Used as a polymerization catalyst of olefins, a reagent in chemical analysis, a corrosion inhibitor, a catalyst in the petroleum industry, and an agricultural chemical; Also used to make molybdenum metal and alloys as well as ceramics, enamels, and pigments; [HSDB]

Comments

An eye, mucous membrane, and upper respiratory tract irritant; [HSDB] Serious health risk by ingestion or prolonged inhalation; [eChemPortal: ESIS] Carcinogenicity in man cannot be assessed conclusively because of insufficient data (Group 3B); [MAK] An irritant; [MSDSonline] See "Molybdenum."

Biomedical References

0.5 mg/m3, as Mo, respirable fraction

5 mg/m3, as Mo

1000 mg/m3, as Mo

LC50 (rat) > 5,840 mg/m3/4h

Possible (2b)

Processes

Industrial Processes with risk of exposure:

• Metal Preparation and Pouring
• Painting (Pigments, Binders, and Biocides)
• Petroleum Production and Refining

Activities

Activities with risk of exposure:

• Ceramics making
• Enameling