Molybdenum(VI) chloride

Names
Other names molybdenum hexachloride
Identifiers
CAS Number	13706-19-9
3D model (JSmol)	Interactive image
ChemSpider	377952
PubChem CID	150193
UNII	779I95MPQK
CompTox Dashboard (EPA)	DTXSID50330162
InChI InChI=1S/6ClH.Mo/h6*1H;/q;;;;;;+6/p-6 Key: DBGPLCIFYUHWKA-UHFFFAOYSA-H
SMILES Cl(Cl)(Cl)(Cl)(Cl)Cl
Properties
Chemical formula	MoCl6
Appearance	black solid
Except where otherwise noted, data are given for materials in their standard state (at 25 °C , 100 kPa). Infobox references

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.^[1]

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 → ₂ + Cl₂

The treatment of MoF₆ with bismuth trichloride also produces MoCl₆.^[1]

References