Molybdenum(VI) chloride

Molybdenum(VI) chloride is the inorganic compound with the formula MoCl₆. It is a black diamagnetic solid. The molecules adopt an octahedral structure as seen in β-tungsten(VI) chloride.

Preparation and reactions

Molybdenum(VI) chloride is prepared from the molybdenum hexafluoride with excess boron trichloride:

MoF₆ 3 BCl₃ → MoCl₆ 3 BF₂Cl

It is unstable at room temperature with respect to molybdenum(V) chloride and decomposition completes within several days:

2 MoCl₆ → [MoCl₅]₂ Cl₂

References