Molybdenum trioxide describes a family of inorganic compounds with the formula MoO3(H2O)n where n = 0, 1, 2. These compounds are produced on the largest scale of any molybdenum compound. The anhydrous oxide is a precursor to molybdenum metal, an important alloying agent. It is also an important industrial catalyst.[8] It is a yellow solid, although impure samples can appear blue or green.
Molybdenum trioxide occurs as the rare mineral molybdite.
Molybdenum trioxide is used to manufacture molybdenum metal:
- MoO3 + 3 H2 → Mo + 3 H2O
Molybdenum trioxide is also a component of the co-catalyst used in the industrial production of acrylonitrile by the oxidation of propene and ammonia.