What group and period is Molybdenum in?

Molybdenum is in Group 6 (chromium group) and Period 5 of the periodic table, directly below Chromium (Cr) and above Tungsten (W). All three share the characteristic of having high melting points and multiple oxidation states.

Why does Molybdenum have such a high melting point?

Molybdenum's high melting point (2623 °C) results from strong metallic bonding driven by its half-filled d-subshell configuration [Kr] 4d⁵ 5s¹. The large number of unpaired d electrons participate in bonding, creating a particularly cohesive metallic lattice.

What are Molybdenum's main uses?

Molybdenum is primarily used as an alloying agent in steels and superalloys to increase hardness, strength, and corrosion resistance. It is also used as a catalyst in petroleum refining (hydrodesulfurization), in electrical contacts and heating elements, and in lubricants (MoS₂ is an excellent dry lubricant).

Is Molybdenum essential for life?

Yes. Molybdenum is an essential trace element for most organisms. It is a cofactor in enzymes such as nitrogenase (nitrogen fixation), xanthine oxidase, and sulfite oxidase. Plants require Mo for nitrogen assimilation, and animals need it for amino acid metabolism.

How many stable isotopes does Molybdenum have?

Molybdenum has seven stable (or effectively stable) isotopes: Mo-92, Mo-94, Mo-95, Mo-96, Mo-97, Mo-98, and Mo-100. Mo-98 is the most abundant at 24.39%. Mo-100 has an extremely long half-life (~7.1 × 10¹⁸ years) and undergoes double beta decay, but is considered practically stable.

What common oxidation states does Molybdenum exhibit?

Molybdenum is versatile with oxidation states ranging from −2 to +6. The most common is +6 (e.g., in MoO₃ and molybdate MoO₄²⁻), followed by +4 (MoO₂, MoS₂) and +5. Lower oxidation states appear in organometallic and cluster compounds.

Molybdenum Element Properties

Look up every key property of Molybdenum (Mo, Z=42) — from atomic mass and electron configuration to melting point and electronegativity.

Mo 42

Molybdenum

Atomic number 42 · Group 6 · Period 5 · Transition Metal

A silvery-gray refractory metal with one of the highest melting points of all elements, widely used in high-strength alloys and catalysts.

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Identity & Classification

Atomic Structure

Physical Properties

Thermodynamic Properties

Chemical Properties

Notable Isotopes

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Summary

Molybdenum (symbol Mo, atomic number 42) is a silvery-gray transition metal in Group 6 of the periodic table, known for its high melting point (2623 °C) and strength at high temperatures. It is widely used as an alloying element in high-strength steels, superalloys, and as a catalyst in petroleum refining. This reference card consolidates its atomic, physical, chemical, electronic, and thermodynamic properties in a single, searchable view.

How it works

The page loads a complete, curated dataset of Molybdenum properties.
Properties are grouped into thematic sections: identity, atomic structure, physical, thermodynamic, and chemical.
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Notable isotopes are listed with abundance and half-life data.

Use cases

Quick reference during chemistry homework or exams.
Verify data for lab reports or research papers.
Compare Molybdenum with neighboring transition metals (Cr, W, Tc).
Study periodic trends (atomic radius, ionization energy, electronegativity).
Engineering calculations involving Mo-containing alloys and steels.
Teaching periodic table concepts and transition metal chemistry.
Catalyst research involving molybdenum sulfide or oxide systems.
Materials science work on refractory metals and superalloys.

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Last updated: 2026-09-30 · Reviewed by Nham Vu