Molybdenum(VI) oxide is soluble in strong alkaline water, forming molybdates (MoO42−). Molybdates are weaker oxidants than chromates. They tend to form structurally complex oxyanions by condensation at lower pH values, such as [Mo7O24]6− and [Mo8O26]4−. Polymolybdates can incorporate other ions, forming polyoxometalates. The dark-blue phosphorus-containing heteropolymolybdate P[Mo12O40]3− is used for the spectroscopic detection of phosphorus.
Molybdenum(VI) oxide is soluble in strong alkaline water forming molybdates (MoO42−) Molybdates are weaker oxidants than chromates They tend to form structurally complex oxyanions by condensation at lower pH values such as [Mo7O24]6− and [Mo8O26]4− Polymolybdates can incorporate other ions forming polyoxometalates The dark-blue phosphorus-containing heteropolymolybdate P[Mo12O40]3− is used for the spectroscopic detection of phosphorus