Molybdenum is valuable as a catalyst in the refining of petroleum. It has found application as a filament material in electronic and electrical applications. Molybdenum is an essential trace element in plant nutrition. Some lands are barren for lack of this element in the soil. Molybdenum sulfide is useful as a lubricant, especially at high temperatures where oils would decompose.
Natural molybdenum contains seven isotopes.
Twenty three other isotopes and isomers are known, all of which are radioactive. The primary use of molybdenum is as a steel alloy. As such it is utilized in the arms industry, in aeronautical engineering, and in the automobile industry. C Molecular Weight 95.94 Density 10.28 Sensitivity Data Fume from arcing molybdenum metal causes respiratory irritation in animals. Reacts at elevated temp with sulfur, carbon, nitrogen, and the halogens except iodine.