Molibdént

Molibdént is a chemical element with the symbol Mo and atomic number 42. It is a hard, silvery-white metal that is highly corrosion-resistant. Molybdenum is an essential trace element for most living organisms, playing a vital role in various biological enzymes. In its elemental form, it is not found in nature but can be extracted from minerals such as molybdenite, wulfenite, and powellite.

The discovery of molybdenum is attributed to Carl Wilhelm Scheele in 1778, who isolated the element. However, it was Jöns Jacob Berzelius who first produced a sample of the pure metal in 1817. Molybdenum has a high melting point and is therefore used in alloys to increase their strength, hardness, and resistance to heat and corrosion. It is a critical component in stainless steel, high-speed tool steels, and other specialized alloys.

Beyond metallurgy, molybdenum compounds have various industrial applications. Molybdenum disulfide, for instance, is used as a lubricant, particularly in high-temperature or high-pressure environments. Molybdenum compounds are also employed in catalysts for petroleum refining, as pigments, and in the production of glass and ceramics. The biological importance of molybdenum is evident in its role as a cofactor for enzymes involved in nitrogen metabolism, sulfur metabolism, and detoxification.