Molybdenum blue

A sample of one kind of molybdenum blue with the formula Na15[MoVI126MoV28O462H14(H2O)70]1⁄2 [MoVI124MoV28O457H14(H2O)68]1⁄2.[1]

Molybdenum blue is a term applied to:

  • reduced heteropolymolybdate complexes, polyoxometalates containing Mo(V), Mo(VI), and a hetero atom such as phosphorus or silicon
  • reduced isopolymolybdate complexes, polyoxometalates containing Mo(V), Mo(VI) formed when solutions of Mo(VI) are reduced
  • a blue pigment containing molybdenum(VI) oxide

The "heteropoly-molybdenum blues", are used extensively in analytical chemistry and as catalysts. The formation of "isopoly-molybdenum blues" which are intense blue has been used as a sensitive test for reducing reagents. They have recently been shown to contain very large anionic species based on the so-called "big wheel" containing 154 Mo atoms, with a formula [Mo154O462H14(H2O)70]14−.[2]

The molybdenum blue pigment is historically documented[3] but may not be in use today.

  1. ^ John R. Shapley (2004). Inorganic Syntheses, Vol 34. John Wiley & Sons, Inc. p. 197. ISBN 978-0-471-64750-8.
  2. ^ From Scheele and Berzelius to MÜller: polyoxometalates (POMs) revisited and the "missing link" between the bottom up and top down approaches P. Gouzerh, M. Che; L'Actualité Chimique, 2006, 298, 9
  3. ^ A Dictionary of Arts, Manufactures, and Mines: Containing a Clear Exposition of Their Principles, Andrew Ure, Published 1844, D. Appleton & Co.