Chapter 21: Problem 29
Molybdenum is obtained as a by-product of copper mining or is mined directly (primary deposits are in the Rocky Mountains in Colorado). In both cases it is obtained as \(\mathrm{MoS}_{2},\) which is then converted to \(\mathrm{MoO}_{3}\) . The \(\mathrm{MoO}_{3}\) can be used directly in the production of stainless steel for high-speed tools (which accounts for about 85\(\%\) of the molybdenum used). Molybdenum can be purified by dissolving MoO \(_{3}\) in aqueous ammonia and crystallizing ammonium molybdate. Depending on conditions, either \(\left(\mathrm{NH}_{4}\right)_{2} \mathrm{Mo}_{2} \mathrm{O}_{7}\) or \(\left(\mathrm{NH}_{4}\right)_{6} \mathrm{Mo}_{7} \mathrm{O}_{24} \cdot 4 \mathrm{H}_{2} \mathrm{O}\) is obtained. a. Give names for \(\mathrm{MoS}_{2}\) and \(\mathrm{MoO}_{3}\) . b. What is the oxidation state of Mo in each of the com- pounds mentioned above?
Short Answer
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