Here is α group of molybdate compounds that has never been fully exploited. They've found important applications in catalysts, ceramics, fertilizers, pharmaceuticals, pigments and metal-treating compounds. W e don't know what else they are good for, but we do know that they are versatile and show great potential. Here are their properties — maybe you'll find just what you are looking for.

Alkali , ammonium, Mg, Be, and Tl molybdates are soluble in water . In solution molybdate ion is a corrosion-inhibitor and a powerful catalyst .

- : f Mild reduction of soluble molyb­dates yields colloidal molybdenum blues of undetermined structure. Reduc­tion is highly photosensi t ive in presence of certain organic acids. Stronger reduction with Zn and Cd gives black insoluble deposits of Mo ( 0 H ) 3 .

T r e a t m e n t w i t h HuO., g i v e s p e r m o l y b d a t e s R 2 Mo0 4 M 1 where n is 1 , 2 . or 4 . Some are highly stable, others explosive.

v, \ y I; v • e s . Reaction with ELS yields thiomolybdates R._>MoS4

of s t r iking color. Alkal i , ammonium and alkaline ear th salts are soluble, others mostly insoluble.

: : . In H F solution molybdates give colorless, read­ily soluble fluoromolybdates such as R.MoO a F. , RL,MoO,F4, and R ;,MoO,F5.

ν > c if Complex molybdates of high molec­ular weight form in acid solution with nearly any element as the hetero ion. Acids such a s H3PMo1:204() and H4SiMo1:!O40 precipi tate organic bases, bu t form heavy me ta l salts that are soluble both in water and many organic solvents.

> ; : : } : Molybdates form soluble complexes with many hydroxy and dibasic acids and with polyhydric phenols .

Molybdates now available in commercial or experimental quantities include salts of Li, N a , K, Ag , Ca, Ba, Sr, Zn, Ce, Pb, Ni , and Co. Wri te for our bulletins "Properties of Simple Molyb­dates" and "Manufacturers of Molybdenum Chemicals." Climax Molybdenum Ccmpany, Dept. 22 , 5 0 0 5th Avenue, New York 36, N . Y. MC5-I8

;i\i MOLYBDENUM SEPT. 2 6, 1955 C & E N 4 1 0 7