Molybdenum
Minerals
Overview
- Molybdenum (Mo) is a trace essential mineral that functions as a co‑factor for several enzymes essential for human metabolism.
- In the body, it is present primarily as the molybdenum co‑factor (Moco).
- Molybdenum supports the activity of enzymes that catalyze oxidation‑reduction reactions.
- This facilitates the breakdown of sulfur‑containing amino acids, purines, and certain drugs.
Chemistry
- Molybdenum is a transition metal (atomic number 42) with the elemental symbol Mo.
- In biological systems it exists as the molybdenum ion (Mo⁶⁺) coordinated within the molybdenum co‑factor (Moco), which has the molecular formula C₁₁H₁₁N₅O₁₁S₂Mo.
- The IUPAC name for the inorganic element is simply “molybdenum.”
- In its metallic form it is a silvery‑gray, high-density (10.28 g cm⁻³) metal with a melting point of 2623 °C.
- As a catalyst it exhibits high resistance to corrosion and forms stable complexes with sulfur and oxygen, allowing it to coordinate with the pterin ligand in Moco.
- The Mo–S and Mo–O bonds in the co‑factor provide the redox flexibility needed for enzymatic oxidation–reduction reactions.
Sources & Quality
- Commercial molybdenum for supplements is derived mainly from mineral ores such as molybdenite (MoS₂) and wulfenite (PbMoO₄).
- The ore is mined (e.g., in the United States, China, Chile) and then processed by flotation, followed by acid leaching to produce molybdenum oxide (MoO₃).
- This oxide is reduced to elemental molybdenum or converted to soluble molybdate (Na₂MoO₄·2H₂O) for nutritional use.
- For dietary supplements, the sodium or calcium molybdate salts are purified through ion-exchange and crystallization to achieve >99% purity.
- Quality considerations include the presence of heavy-metal contaminants (e.g., lead, arsenic).
- Reputable manufacturers certify their products by USP or GMP standards, providing batch‑tested molybdate content and verifying that heavy‑metal levels are below FDA limits.
Where to Buy Molybdenum
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