[Pd(NH3)4]MoO4 as a precursor for Pd–Mo-containing catalysts: Thermal behavior, X-ray analysis of the thermolysis products and related catalytic studies

•[Pd(NH3)4]MoO4 as a precursor for Pd–Mo-containing catalysts.•Different products are formed depending on atmosphere of thermal decomposition.•Thermolysis in He atmosphere affords finely mixed two-phase nanosized system Pd–MoO2.•Pd–MoO2 system can be a promising catalyst both in pure and supported form.

Compound [Pd(NH3)4]MoO4 (1) has been synthesized and characterized by IR spectroscopy, analytical data, powder and single-crystal X-ray crystallography. Thermal properties of 1 have been examined by thermogravimetry. Powder X-ray diffraction has been applied to investigate the nanosized products of thermal decomposition of the precursor in hydrogen (Pd–Mo) and helium (Pd–MoO2) atmospheres. Pd–Mo catalysts supported with γ-Al2O3 have been tested in oxidation of CO and H2 mixtures.