Without molybdenum, life on Earth would be impossible. The enzyme nitrogenase — with molybdenum at its core — lets bacteria 'grab' nitrogen from the air and convert it into plant food. It's the only known way nature fixes atmospheric nitrogen.
For engineers, molybdenum means extreme-temperature strength. Its melting point is 2,623°C — the sixth highest of all elements. That's why molybdenum hides inside jet turbines, rocket nozzles, and chemical reactor walls. Even molybdenum disulfide (MoS₂) is remarkable — a solid lubricant that works in vacuum.
Over 80% of molybdenum goes into specialty steels. Grade 316 stainless steel contains 2–3% molybdenum — that's what protects it from chloride corrosion. These steels are used in marine structures, medical instruments, and food processing equipment.
Molybdenum is also critically important for the human body. It's part of over 50 enzymes. Deficiency is rare but can cause serious metabolic disorders.
Metallic molybdenum is non-toxic — safe to handle. But soluble molybdates in excess block copper absorption and can cause gout-like symptoms — joint pain. In ruminant animals, excess molybdenum in feed causes 'molybdenosis'. Molybdenum dust irritates respiratory passages; workplace limit is 4 mg/m³.
Molybdenum melts at 2,623°C — the sixth highest of all elements. Only tungsten, rhenium, osmium, tantalum, and carbon are hotter.
Molybdenum is essential for over 50 enzymes in living organisms. Without it, plants couldn't absorb nitrogen from the soil.
Over 80% of molybdenum goes to metallurgy. Stainless steel 316 with 2–3% Mo is the standard for marine structures and surgical instruments.
Molybdenum disulfide MoS₂ is one of the best lubricants: works from −185°C to +450°C and even in the vacuum of space.
Molybdenum was discovered in 1778 but was long confused with graphite and lead. Even its name comes from the Greek 'molybdos' (lead).
| Isotope | Mass (u) | Abundance | Half-life | Decay |
|---|---|---|---|---|
92Mo | 91.906811 | 14.84% | stable | — |
94Mo | 93.905088 | 9.25% | stable | — |
95Mo | 94.905842 | 15.92% | stable | — |
96Mo | 95.904680 | 16.68% | stable | — |
97Mo | 96.906021 | 9.55% | stable | — |
98Mo | 97.905408 | 24.13% | stable | — |
100Mo | 99.907477 | 9.63% | stable | — |
Reduction of molybdenum oxide