Solution preparation of the amorphous molybdenum oxysulfide MoOS2 and its use for catalysis

Acid condensation of aqueous MoO2S22− anion yields amorphous MoOS2 oxysulfide. This compound possesses tubular morphology and when freshly precipitated is soluble in polar organics such as acetone and ethanol. The ensemble of characterizations (IR, UV–visible, EXAFS spectroscopy) suggests that it contains cyclic or short linear oligomers of neutral molybdenum (V) oxysulfide MoOS2 core. Thermal decomposition of MoOS2 under inert atmosphere leads to the formation of a mixture of MoO2 and MoS2 phases. Promotion of MoOS2 with cobalt followed by sulfidation leads to highly active HDS catalysts.