Sodium molybdate is an inorganic compound with the formula Na_MoO_. It exists as a white, crystalline powder and is highly soluble in water. The molybdate anion (MoO___) is the key functional unit, acting as a source of molybdenum in various applications. Its primary industrial application is as a corrosion inhibitor in water treatment systems, particularly in closed-loop cooling towers and boilers. It functions by forming a protective, passive film of molybdenum oxides on metal surfaces, effectively preventing pitting and crevice corrosion in the presence of chlorides. It is often used synergistically with other inhibitors like phosphonates or azoles. Additionally, it serves as a key precursor for the synthesis of molybdenum-based catalysts and metal oxide nanomaterials, such as molybdenum trioxide (MoO_) and molybdenum disulfide (MoS_), which are used in hydrodesulfurization and energy storage research. In agriculture, sodium molybdate is a vital micronutrient in fertilizers to correct molybdenum deficiency in crops, essential for nitrogen fixation in legumes. It is also utilized as a laboratory reagent for analytical chemistry, including phosphate testing. The compound is generally considered to have low acute toxicity but should be handled with standard safety precautions to avoid dust inhalation.