A further method is direct reaction between molybdenum metal and excess iodine at 300 °C (572 °F).
2 Mo + 3 I2 → 2 MoI3
As molybdenum(III) iodide is the highest stable iodide of molybdenum, this is the preferred route.[1]
Properties
Molybdenum(III) iodide is a black antiferromagnetic solid that is air-stable at room temperature. In vacuum, it decomposes above 100 °C to molybdenum(II) iodide and iodine. It is insoluble in polar and non-polar solvents.[2] Its crystal structure is isotypic with zirconium(III) iodide.[3]