Molybdenum(IV) bromide explained

Molybdenum(IV) bromide, also known as molybdenum tetrabromide, is the inorganic compound with the formula MoBr₄. It is a black solid. MoBr₄ has been prepared by treatment of molybdenum(V) chloride with hydrogen bromide:

2 MoCl₅ + 10 HBr → 2 MoBr₄ + 10 HCl + Br₂The reaction proceeds via the unstable molybdenum(V) bromide, which releases bromine at room temperature.^[1]

Molybdenum(IV) bromide can also be prepared by oxidation of molybdenum(III) bromide with bromine.^[2]

Notes and References

1. 10.1039/DT9930000655. Low-Temperature Syntheses of Vanadium(III) and Molybdenum(IV) Bromides by Halide Exchange. J. Chem. Soc., Dalton Trans.. 5. 655–658. 1993. Calderazzo. Fausto. Maichle-Mössmer. Cäcilie. Pampaloni. Guido. Strähle. Joachim.
2. [Georg Brauer]