Molybdenum(II) iodide
Molybdenum(II) iodide is an inorganic chemical compound with the formula MoI2. It is a dark-colored solid, insoluble in common solvents, and is characterized by its polymeric structure. This structure consists of interconnected Mo6I8 clusters, with each cluster further linked to adjacent clusters through iodide bridges. These clusters are often described as [Mo6I8]I4/2.
The compound is typically prepared by the reaction of molybdenum metal or molybdenum(III) chloride with an excess of iodine at elevated temperatures. The exact reaction conditions and stoichiometry can influence the purity and yield of the product.
Molybdenum(II) iodide is of interest in materials science and chemistry due to the potential for its use as a precursor to other molybdenum-containing compounds and for studying the electronic and structural properties of metal-halide clusters. Its insolubility and complex structure present challenges for direct applications, but modified forms or derivatives may offer opportunities in catalysis, electronics, or other fields.