Molybdenum is a Block D, Group 6, Period 5 element. The number of electrons in each of Molybdenum's shells is 2, 8, 18, 13, 1 and its electronic configuration is [Kr] 4d⁵ 5s¹. In its elemental form molybdenum's CAS number is 7439-98-7. The molybdenum atom has a radius of 136.3.pm and it's Van der Waals radius is 200.pm. Molybdenum is toxic unless it is in small quantities. Molybdenum has the third highest melting point of any element, exceeded only by tungsten and tantalum. Molybdenum is a catalyst in the oil refining. It has many other applications, including in catalysts, pigments, corrosion inhibitors and lubricants. It has a very high elastic modulus. Molybdenum is available as metal and compounds with purities from 99% to 99.999% (ACS grade to ultra-high purity); metals in the form of foil, sputtering target, and rod, and compounds as submicron and nanopowder. It is used in steel alloys to add hardness and raise melting points. It is a component in Hastelloys brand steel. Molybdenum is used in nuclear reactors and aerospace components. Molybdenum was first discovered by Carl Wilhelm in 1778. The origin of the name Molybdenum comes from the Greek word molubdos meaning lead. See Molybdenum research below.

Lanthanum is a Block F, Group 3, Period 6 element. The number of electrons in each of Lanthanum's shells is 2, 8, 18, 18, 9, 2 and its electronic configuration is [Xe] 5d¹ 6s². In its elemental form lanthanum 's CAS number is 7439-91-0. The lanthanum atom has a radius of 187.pm and it's Van der Waals radius is 200.pm. Lanthanum and compounds of Lanthanum are somewhat toxic. Lanthanum is one of the products manufactured and distributed under the tradename AE Rare Earths. Lanthanum is the first element in the rare earth or lanthanide series. It is the model for all the other trivalent rare earths. After cerium, it is the second most abundant of the rare earths. Lanthanum is available as metal and compounds with purities from 99% to 99.999% (ACS grade to ultra high purity); metals in the form of foil, sputtering target, and rod, and compounds as submicron and nanopowder.Lanthanum-rich lanthanide compositions have been used extensively for cracking reactions in FCC catalysts, especially to manufacture low-octane fuel for heavy crude oil. The name Lanthanum originates from the Greek word Lanthaneia which means 'To lie hidden'. See Lanthanum research below.