Sodium molybdate

PROPERTIES

Sodium molybdate is an odorless, white, hygroscopic solid (small scales or flakes). It is slightly soluble in water, insoluble in ethanol, acetone. Stable under ordinary conditions. Incompatible with alkali metals, most common metals and strong oxidizing agents.

APPLICATIONS

ENVIRONMENT, AGRICULTURE

The agriculture industry uses sodium molybdate as a fertilizer. It is a readily soluble source of molybdenum essential for optimum legume growth. Being the source of molybdenum, sodium molybdate is useful for curing a broccoli and cauliflower disease known as whiptail .

It is very important for nitrogen fixation by leguminous plants such as clover, lucerne, peas and beans.

BIOCHEMISTRY (chemicals tracer)
Sodium molybdate is used in biochemistry and medicinal chemistry to track various organic chemicals that are colorless after a chromatographical analysis, which it always stains blue. The blue color is also called molybdenum blue.

INDUSTRY (corrosion inhibitor)

It is used in as a non-oxidizing anodic inhibitor. The addition of sodium molybdate significantly reduces the nitrite requirement of fluids inhibited with nitrite-amine, and improves the corrosion protection of carboxylate salt fluids.

Other uses:

-        manufacture of molybdated lubricants, pharmaceuticals, alkoloids, dyes, pigments,

-        buffing compound for galvanizing,

-        retardants and metal depressants,

-        descaling agents, bleaching agents,

-        water treatment.