Molybdate
Molybdate refers to the anion derived from molybdenum, a transition metal, and oxygen. It is represented chemically as MoO4^2−. Molybdate ions are formed when molybdenum trioxide (MoO3) dissolves in an alkaline solution. Molybdates play a crucial role in various biological and industrial processes due to their unique chemical properties.
Chemistry[edit | edit source]
Molybdate is a tetrahedral anion, a common structural form for metal oxides where a central metal atom is surrounded by four oxygen atoms. This structure is pivotal in its reactivity and interaction with other compounds. Molybdates are soluble in water and can form complexes with various cations, leading to the formation of diverse molybdate salts. These salts are utilized in different applications, ranging from corrosion inhibitors to pigments.
Biological Role[edit | edit source]
In biology, molybdate is essential for the activity of enzymes such as sulfite oxidase, xanthine oxidase, and aldehyde oxidase. These enzymes are involved in the metabolism of sulfur-containing amino acids, purines, and aldehydes, respectively. The presence of molybdate is critical for the proper functioning of these enzymes and, consequently, for the health of the organism.
Industrial Applications[edit | edit source]
Molybdate compounds are used in various industrial applications due to their anticorrosive properties. They are added to water systems, including cooling towers and boilers, to prevent corrosion of metal parts. Molybdates are also used in the production of pigments for ceramics, paints, and plastics, offering colors ranging from red to green depending on the formulation.
Environmental Impact[edit | edit source]
While molybdates are generally considered to be of low toxicity, their environmental impact depends on concentration and exposure levels. High concentrations of molybdate in the environment can lead to molybdenosis in animals, a condition caused by excessive dietary intake of molybdenum. Monitoring and managing the levels of molybdate in industrial effluents and agricultural practices is essential to prevent potential negative effects on ecosystems.
See Also[edit | edit source]
Search WikiMD
Ad.Tired of being Overweight? Try W8MD's physician weight loss program.
Semaglutide (Ozempic / Wegovy and Tirzepatide (Mounjaro / Zepbound) available.
Advertise on WikiMD
WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia |
Let Food Be Thy Medicine Medicine Thy Food - Hippocrates |
Translate this page: - East Asian
中文,
日本,
한국어,
South Asian
हिन्दी,
தமிழ்,
తెలుగు,
Urdu,
ಕನ್ನಡ,
Southeast Asian
Indonesian,
Vietnamese,
Thai,
မြန်မာဘာသာ,
বাংলা
European
español,
Deutsch,
français,
Greek,
português do Brasil,
polski,
română,
русский,
Nederlands,
norsk,
svenska,
suomi,
Italian
Middle Eastern & African
عربى,
Turkish,
Persian,
Hebrew,
Afrikaans,
isiZulu,
Kiswahili,
Other
Bulgarian,
Hungarian,
Czech,
Swedish,
മലയാളം,
मराठी,
ਪੰਜਾਬੀ,
ગુજરાતી,
Portuguese,
Ukrainian
Medical Disclaimer: WikiMD is not a substitute for professional medical advice. The information on WikiMD is provided as an information resource only, may be incorrect, outdated or misleading, and is not to be used or relied on for any diagnostic or treatment purposes. Please consult your health care provider before making any healthcare decisions or for guidance about a specific medical condition. WikiMD expressly disclaims responsibility, and shall have no liability, for any damages, loss, injury, or liability whatsoever suffered as a result of your reliance on the information contained in this site. By visiting this site you agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, which may from time to time be changed or supplemented by WikiMD. If you do not agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, you should not enter or use this site. See full disclaimer.
Credits:Most images are courtesy of Wikimedia commons, and templates Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY SA or similar.
Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD