Molybdenum chemicals are used in the production of catalysts for a variety of reactions, notably hydrotreating and selective oxidation. Hydrotreating catalysts based on molybdenum are used in the desulfurization of oil prior to further refining and reforming. The increasingly stringent requirements for low sulfur fuel oils, gasoline and diesel fuel make this application a particularly important use for molybdenum. Examples of oxidation processes using molybdenum catalysts include the production of formaldehyde from methanol and acrylonitrile or propylene oxide from propylene. Stable molybdate solutions with low impurity levels can be produced from the Climax Molybdenum Company range of molybdenum oxides and molybdates.

Molybdenum metal and alloys are used in a number of important end products including lamp applications, glass melting electrodes and electronic devices. 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 original chemicals. The consistent quality of our range of oxides and molybdates makes them ideal starting materials for this application.

The naturally occurring form of molybdenum, MoS2 is an important solid lubricant. It is used primarily for reduction of wear and friction and maintains good lubricating performance in tough conditions. Molysulfide® (our lubricant grade MoS2) is a black powder insoluble in most solvents. It is an excellent high temperature lubricant stable in air to 350°C and in vacuum or inert atmospheres to 1200°C. Molysulfide® is widely used in products such as greases, dispersions, friction materials and bonded coatings. 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 and greases.

Molybdate, usually in the form of Sodium Molybdate, is used as an anodic corrosion inhibitor in a number of aqueous systems, such as cooling water treatments, and automobile anti-freeze/coolant products. It is particularly effective against pitting corrosion. Molybdate inhibits corrosion of steel, cast iron, aluminum, copper, brass, cadmium and solder, and is usually used synergistically with other corrosion inhibitors.

Molybdenum in the form of Ammonium Octamolybdate (AOM) or Molybdic Oxide is used as a smoke suppressant in plastics, especially polyvinyl chloride (PVC). It is used in applications where the smoke evolution in the event of fire is regulated. Common applications include wire and cable for use in plenum spaces, interiors of mass transit vehicles, carpet backing for commercial grades of vinyl backed carpet, and building materials for interior use in public buildings. Molybdate reduces smoke from burning PVC by cross-linking the plastic to form a surface char. It is also believed to reduce smoke by catalyzing the formation of all trans polymer fragments that cannot cyclize to form the polyaromatic structures characteristic of soot.

Molybdenum compounds are used in the production of pigments generally called Molybdenum Orange, for use in paints, plastics and inks. They are preferred over simple lead chrome pigments because of reddish hue, cleanliness and striking colors. Our Chemical Grade Oxide and Sodium Molybdate are ideal raw materials for production of these pigments. White corrosion-inhibiting pigments are used as paint primers. Molybdenum compounds are also used in the production of organic toners and as a condensation catalyst for phthalocyanine pigments.