Alternatively, a trinuclear molybdenum-sulfur halide salt such as [M???]2[Mo3S7A6], where M??? is a counter ion, and A is a halogen such as Cl, Br, or I, may be reacted with a ligand source such as a dialkyldithiocarbamate or dialkyldithiophosphate in the appropriate liquid(s)/solvent(s) to form an oil-soluble or dispersible trinuclear molybdenum compound.