Molybdenum(VI) chloride
# Molybdenum(VI) chloride

Molybdenum(VI) chloride is the inorganic compound with the formula $MoCl_6.$ It is a black diamagnetic solid. The molecules adopt an octahedral structure as seen in β-tungsten(VI) chloride.

## Preparation and reactions

Molybdenum(VI) chloride is prepared from the molybdenum hexafluoride with excess boron trichloride:

    $MoF_6$ + 3 $BCl_3$ → $MoCl_6$ + 3 $BF_2Cl$

It is unstable at room temperature with respect to molybdenum(V) chloride and decomposition completes within several days:

    2 $MoCl_6$ → $[MoCl_5]_2$ + $Cl_2$

The treatment of $MoF_6$ with bismuth trichloride also produces $MoCl_6.$

