Chemical Properties
WHITE TO LIGHT YELLOW CRYSTALLINE POWDER
Uses
Alumina supported molybdenum hexacarbonyl acts as an active catalyst. It is used to synthesize MoO and MoC nanowires by electron beam induced deposition.
Uses
It is used as a catalyst in many organicsynthetic reactions.
Uses
Plating molybdenum, i.e., molybdenum mir-rors; intermediate.
General Description
Molybdenum hexacarbonyl is a colorless compound that sublimates and decomposes without melting at 150
oC. It has an octahedral structure. Inherent sublimation of molybdenum hexacarbonyl permits it to perform as an active liquefaction catalyst. To form a catalyst it is adsorbed on dehydroxylated alumina forming subcarboyls.
Hazard
Decomposes above 150C to evolve carbonmonoxide.
Health Hazard
Molybdenum hexacarbonyl is a highly toxicsubstance. It is listed in Toxic SubstanceControl Act. Acute symptoms includeheadache, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, andfever. Because of its low vapor pressure,the risk of exposure of this compound,however, by inhalation is lower than thatfrom the volatile tetra- or pentacoordinatedmetal carbonyls. Ingestion of the compoundcan cause death. Absorption of its solutionthrough skin may cause severe poisoning,manifesting the same effects as those fromother routes of exposure.
Fire Hazard
It reacts violently with strong oxidizers. Contact
with concentrated acids is expected to be
violent. Its solutions are susceptible to detonate
spontaneously (Owen 1950). Ethereal
solutions of this compound can explode on
extended storage (Bretherick 1995).
Purification Methods
Sublime it in a vacuum before use [Connor et al. J Chem Soc, Dalton Trans 511 1986]. TOXIC.
