The electrochemical oxidation of anodic molybdenum into non-aqueous solutions of halogen

Abstract

A molybdenum anode can be oxidised electrochemically into acetonitrile/X₂ media (X = Cl, Br, I), with current efficiencies which are lower than for the analogous chromium system. The subsequent work-up of solutions prepared by this method yields products containing molybdenum in either + II or + V oxidation states. A tentative reaction scheme is presented. Tungsten could not be oxidised electrochemically under the conditions used.