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Molybdenum(III) iodide

Molybdenum(III) iodide is the inorganic compound with the formula MoI<sub>3</sub>.

Preparation

Molybdenum(III) iodide is created by the reaction of molybdenum hexacarbonyl with iodine gas at .

2 Mo(CO)<sub>6</sub> + 3 I<sub>2</sub> → 2 MoI<sub>3</sub> + 12 CO

It can also be made from molybdenum(V) chloride and a solution of hydrogen iodide in carbon disulfide.

MoCl<sub>5</sub> + 5 HI → MoI<sub>3</sub> + 5 HCl + I<sub>2</sub>

A further method is direct reaction between molybdenum metal and excess iodine at .

2 Mo + 3 I<sub>2</sub> → 2 MoI<sub>3</sub>

As molybdenum(III) iodide is the highest stable iodide of molybdenum, this is the preferred route.

Properties

Molybdenum(III) iodide is a black antiferromagnetic solid that is air-stable at room temperature. In vacuum, it decomposes above 100&nbsp;°C to molybdenum(II) iodide and iodine. It is insoluble in polar and non-polar solvents. Its crystal structure is isotypic with zirconium(III) iodide.

References