Molybdenum is a transition metal in Group 6 of the Periodic Table between chromium and tungsten. Although molybdenum is sometimes described as a ‘heavy metal’ its properties are very different from those of the typical heavy metals, mercury, thallium and lead. It is much less toxic than these and other heavy metals. Its low toxicity makes molybdenum an attractive substitute for more toxic materials.

Molybdenum-based technical chemicals exploit the versatility of molybdenum chemistry in oxidation states. (VI), (V) and (IV). Materials made from molybdates are oxidation catalysts, are photoactive, and semiconducting. Many of the properties of molybdenum provide development opportunities and new commercial applications through the exploitation of its chemistry.