Sodium molybdate is a chemical compound with several applications used in common industries and agriculture. The substance is synthesised through hydration. An aqueous solution of molybdenum trioxide evaporates, leaving sodium molybdate dihydrate. It’s an excellent source for soils that are deficient in this substance. It’s also used in industrial water treatment for its anti-corrosion properties. This article will read about how this compound is obtained and its uses in daily life.
How Is It Made
Although molybdenum is listed as a heavy metal on the periodic table, it behaves differently than its cousins. First off, it’s much less toxic than substances like lead or mercury. This substance is more commonly employed in its most advanced oxidation state. Mixing molybdenum oxides with sodium carbonate result in sodium molybdate. Those oxides, such as molybdenum trioxide, are obtained by heating them in an aqueous solution at 100°C. This process results in an anhydrous salt. It can be dissolved in water or mixed with other organic compounds to make fertilisers.
Is It Safe
It can be toxic and even poisonous if mishandled or ingested. If heated to its melting point, it releases toxic gases, such as carbon oxides. The excessive usage of this compound can also lead to copper deficiency, especially in livestock. There’s no report on environmental damages caused by this substance. Still, it must be stopped from reaching watercourses, sewage systems, or penetrating the soil. When appropriately handled following safety measures and guidelines, this substance has low toxicity and poses little or no threat.
How Is It Used
A registered trademark using this compound must follow ACS Reagent specifications. This section will read about different applications of this compound and how it reacts in different environments.
Agriculture
Agriculture is one of the primary uses of this compound in soils with poor molybdenum (Mo) levels in the United States and Australia. Low molybdenum levels can cause problems in the crops, especially tomatoes, cauliflower, and broccoli. Molybdenum deficiency causes lesions on the leaves, in a condition known as “whiptail”. This deficiency also prevents plants from converting nitrate into amino acids, leading to nitrate accumulation in the plant. But, high concentrations of this substance in the soil can also be harmful to plants.
Industry
In industries, this substance is used as a corrosion and non-oxidizing anodic inhibitor. It’s beneficial for water treatment since it helps prevent oxidation and corrosion, especially in bimetallic structures. Its presence in water reduces its conductivity. It’s also used as a paint pigment, metal finishing and for brightening zinc plates.
Conclusion
This compound is beneficial and is part of our daily lives. It’s used not only in industry and agriculture but also as a nutritional supplement. Legumes are the rich sources of molybdenum. When used following safety measures and guidelines, it poses no risk to human health.