Molybdenum disulfide
IUPAC name	Molybdenum disulfide
Other names	Molybdenite
Identifiers
CAS number	1317-33-5 Y
RTECS number	QA4697000
Properties
Molecular formula	MoS2
Molar mass	160.07 g/mol
Appearance	black solid
Density	5.06 g/cm3
Melting point	1185 °C decomp.
Structure
Crystal structure	Hexagonal, hP6, Space group P63/mmc, No 194
Coordination geometry	Trigonal prismatic (MoIV) Pyramidal (S2−)
Hazards
MSDS	External MSDS
EU Index	not listed
Related compounds
Other anions	Molybdenum(IV) oxide
Other cations	Tungsten disulfide
Related lubricants	Graphite
Y (what is this?)  (verify) Except where noted otherwise, data are given for materials in their standard state (at 25 °C, 100 kPa)
Infobox references

Molybdenum disulfide is the inorganic compound with the formula MoS₂. This black crystalline sulfide of molybdenum occurs as the mineral molybdenite. It is the principal ore from which molybdenum metal is extracted. The natural amorphous form is known as the rarer mineral jordisite. MoS₂ is less reactive than other transition metal chalcogenides, being unaffected by dilute acids. In its appearance and feel, molybdenum disulfide is similar to graphite. Indeed, like graphite, it is widely used as a solid lubricant because of its low friction properties, sometimes to relatively high temperatures.

Contents 1 Production 2 Structure and physical properties 3 Chemical properties 4 Use as lubricant 4.1 Specific uses 5 Use in petrochemistry 6 Future Developments 6.1 Lubrication 6.2 Photocatalyst 7 References

[edit] Production

Molybdenite ore is processed by flotation to give relatively pure MoS₂, the main contaminant being carbon. MoS₂ also arises by the thermal treatment of virtually all molybdenum compounds with hydrogen sulfide. Molybdenite is the principal ore from which molybdenum metal is extracted.^[1]

[edit] Structure and physical properties

In MoS₂, each Mo(IV) center is trigonal prismatic, being bound to six sulfide ligands, each of which is pyramidal. The trigonal prisms are interconnected to give a layered structure, wherein molybdenum atoms are sandwiched between layers of sulfur atoms.^[2] Because of the weak van der Waals interactions between the sheets of sulfide atoms, MoS₂ has a low coefficient of friction, resulting in its lubricating properties. Other layered inorganic materials exhibit lubricating properties (collectively known as solid lubricants or dry lubricants) including graphite, which requires volatile additives, and hexagonal boron nitride.^[3]

MoS₂ is diamagnetic and a semiconductor.^[4]

[edit] Chemical properties

Molybdenum disulfide is stable in air or oxygen at normal conditions, but reacts with oxygen upon heating forming molybdenum trioxide:

2 MoS₂ + 9 O₂ → 2 MoO₃ + 4 SO₃

Chlorine attacks molybdenum disulfide at elevated temperatures to form molybdenum pentachloride:

2 MoS₂ + 7 Cl₂ → 2 MoCl₅ + 2 S₂Cl₂

Molybdenum disulfide reacts with alkyl lithium under controlled conditions to form intercalation compounds Li_xMoS₂. With butyl lithium, the product is LiMoS₂.^[1]

[edit] Use as lubricant

MoS₂ with particle sizes in the range of 1-100 µm is a common dry lubricant. Few alternatives exist that can confer the high lubricity and stability up to 350 °C in oxidizing environments. Sliding friction tests of MoS₂ using a pin on disc tester at low loads (0.1-2 N) give friction coefficient values of <0.1.^[5][6]

Molybdenum disulfide is often a component of blends and composites where low friction is sought. A variety of oils and greases are used, because they retain their lubricity even in cases of almost complete oil loss, thus finding a use in critical applications such as aircraft engines. When added to plastics, MoS₂ forms a composite with improved strength as well as reduced friction. Polymers that have been filled with MoS₂ include nylon (with the trade name Nylatron), Teflon, and Vespel. Self-lubricating composite coatings for high-temperature applications have been developed consisting of molybdenum disulfide and titanium nitride by chemical vapor deposition.^[7]

[edit] Specific uses

MoS₂ is often used in two-stroke engines; e.g., motorcycle engines. It is also used in CV and universal joints. During the Vietnam War, the molybdenum disulfide product "Dri-Slide" was used to lubricate weapons, although it was supplied from private sources, not the military. MoS₂-coatings allow bullets easier passage through the rifle barrel causing less barrel wear and allowing the barrel to retain ballistic accuracy much longer.^[8]

MoS₂ is applied to bearings in ultra-high vacuum applications up to 10^-9 torr (at -226 to 399°C). The lubricant is applied by burnishing and the excess is wiped from the bearing surface.^[9]

[edit] Use in petrochemistry

Synthetic MoS₂ is employed as a catalyst for desulfurization in petroleum refineries; e.g., hydrodesulfurization.^[10] The effectiveness of the MoS₂ catalysts is enhanced by doping with small amounts of cobalt or nickel and the intimate mixture is supported on alumina. Such catalysts are generated in situ by treating molybdate/cobalt or nickel-impregnated alumina with H₂S or an equivalent reagent.

[edit] Future Developments

[edit] Lubrication

There are currently no clear lubrication alternatives to molybdenum disulfide or the very similar tungsten disulfide that can resist temperatures higher than 350°C in oxidizing environments. Research has been conducted on compacted oxide layer glazes, which form during metallic surface sliding wear at several hundred degrees Celsius. However, because these oxide layers are physically-unstable, their use has currently not proven practical.

[edit] Photocatalyst

When combined with cadmium sulfide, MoS₂ increases the rate of photocatalytic hydrogen production.^[11]

[edit] References

v • d • e   Molybdenum compounds Mo(CO)6 · MoCl2 · MoCl4 · MoCl5 · MoF6 · MoO2 · MoO3 · MoS2 · MoSi2