What is the difference between 304 and 316 stainless steel pipe?

“The key difference is molybdenum content. 316/316L contains 2-3% molybdenum, which significantly improves pitting corrosion resistance in chloride-containing environments. 304/304L has no intentional molybdenum addition. For chemical processing, offshore, and coastal applications where chlorides are present, 316L is the minimum recommended grade. 304L is suitable for general industrial, food processing, and architectural applications with low chloride exposure.”