Molybdenum hexacarbonyl

Molybdenum hexacarbonyl appears as a white powder or crystals and has a melting point of 150 °C and a boiling point of 156 °C. It is relatively stable under normal conditions of use. While it usually remains solid at room temperature, it can decompose when heated and release toxic carbon monoxide gas. It is therefore advisable to store the substance in a cool, dry place away from heat sources to ensure its stability.

The compound is often used as a starting material for the production of molybdenum-containing catalysts, which play an important role in a variety of industrial processes such as hydrocarbon cracking and organic synthesis. Because of its ability to decompose into molybdenum metal or other reactive species, molybdenum hexacarbonyl is also of great value in chemical vapour deposition (CVD) processes for the production of thin film coatings for electronics and other high-tech applications. It is also used as a reagent in the synthesis of other molybdenum-based compounds.

Molybdenum hexacarbonyl poses significant health risks, including acute toxicity by ingestion (H300), skin contact (H310) and inhalation (H330). As it can release carbon monoxide, a highly toxic gas, the substance must be handled under well ventilated conditions or in fume bonnets. The use of protective clothing, gloves and respiratory protection is essential to avoid exposure and possible health hazards.

This versatile compound is not only used as a catalyst precursor and in material synthesis, but is also used in electron beam-induced deposition technology due to its decomposability by electron beams. In organometallic chemistry, it is used as a reagent that replaces carbonyl ligands with other donor ligands. It is also used in the production of organomolybdenum dyes and in molybdenum coating by thermal decomposition. Its derivatives are also used as catalysts in organic synthesis.