Molybdenum chemicals are used in the production of catalysts for a variety of reactions, notably hydrotreating and selective oxidation. The increasingly stringent requirements for low sulfur fuel oils, gasoline and diesel fuel make this application a particularly important use for molybdenum. Molybdenum-based catalysts also are used in the production of renewable diesel and sustainable aviation fuels (SAF).

Molybdenum metal and alloys are used in a number of important end products including lamp applications, glass melting electrodes, electronic devices, medical equipment, and chip lithography. The characteristics of molybdenum metal powders are determined not only by the process conditions during reduction, but also by the physical and chemical properties of the starting materials.

The naturally occurring form of molybdenum (MoS₂) is an important solid lubricant used primarily for reduction of wear and friction and maintains good lubricating performance in tough conditions. Molybdenum complexes, soluble in petroleum oils and other organic solvents, are finding increased use as antiwear and extreme pressure additives as well as friction modifiers in lubricating oils, greases and coatings.

Molybdate, usually in the form of sodium molybdate, is used as an anodic corrosion inhibitor in aqueous systems, such as cooling water treatments and automobile anti-freeze/coolant products. It is effective in inhibiting corrosion of steel, cast iron, aluminum, copper, brass, cadmium and solder, and typically is used with other corrosion inhibitors.

Molybdenum compounds are used in the production of molybdenum orange pigments added to paints, plastics and inks to provide a reddish hue, cleanliness and striking colors. White corrosion inhibiting pigments are used as paint primers, and other molybdenum compounds are important components in organic toners. More recent uses include incorporation into bismuth vanadate yellow and the emerging classes of rare earth molybdenum high-performance pigments.