The ion MoO4^2-, known as the molybdate ion, consists of one molybdenum atom surrounded by four oxygen atoms. It carries a -2 charge, indicating that it has two more electrons than protons. Molybdate is commonly found in various chemical compounds and plays a significant role in industrial applications, including catalysts and fertilizers. Molybdate ions are often used in analytical chemistry for detecting phosphate ions, as they form a colored complex that can be measured. Additionally, they are important in biological systems, where molybdenum is an essential trace element for certain enzymes.