Molybdenum Sesquisilicide, Mo₂Si₃

Molybdenum Sesquisilicide, Mo₂Si₃, is said to result when crystallised silicon is heated in a carbon crucible in the electric furnace with the oxides of molybdenum obtained by calcining ammonium molybdate. The mass is disintegrated by electrolysis in hydrochloric acid, and the residue successively treated with aqua regia, caustic alkali, and hydrofluoric acid. The silicide burns in chlorine at 300° C., with formation of silicon tetrachloride and molybdenum pentachloride.