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.
- ^ John R. Shapley (2004). Inorganic Syntheses, Vol 34. John Wiley & Sons, Inc. p. 197. ISBN 978-0-471-64750-8.
- ^ 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
- ^ A Dictionary of Arts, Manufactures, and Mines: Containing a Clear Exposition of Their Principles, Andrew Ure, Published 1844, D. Appleton & Co.