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MOLYBDENUM
Natural Abundance, Stable Isobars Mo92, 15.86%, Zr92 Mo94, 9.12%, Zr94 Mo95, 15.70%, aZr96 Mo96, 16.50%, Ru96 Mo97, 9.45%, Ru98 Mo98, 23.75%, Ru100 Mo100, 9.62% Molybdenum pentachloride and molybdenum trioxide have been used as charge material in the separation of the isotopes of molybdenum. Molybdenum trioxide is the preferred material and the usual charge consists of 200 g MoO3 in a C-18 graphite charge bottle. Molybdenum trioxide can be purchased, fused at 900° C in a nickel crucible, and use charge bottle without further processing. When molybdenum pentachloride is used as charge material it is prepared in the laboratory burning molybdenum metal in chlorine gas at 500°C. The resulting product consists of black deliquescent crystals having a melting point of 194° C. Molybdenum and its compounds are not considered toxic; however, gloves and glasses should be used when handling these materials. A respirator should be employed if dusting conditions exist. Molybdenum pentachloride decomposes in moist air and evolves hydrogen chloride. These fumes are very corrosive and poisonous, and their contact with the eyes, nose and upper respiratory track should be prevented. Adequate ventilation and personal protective equipment, including a respirator and rubber gloves, should be used when working with the pentachloride. aZr96, natural abundance 2.8%, is radioactive with a half-life of >2 x 1014 years. |
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