Vanadium
Definition and meaning of Vanadium in chemistry.
Vanadium is a chemical element with the symbol V and atomic number 23. It is a hard, silvery-gray, malleable transition metal that is rarely found in nature in its pure elemental form.
In more detail
Positioned in group 5 of the periodic table, vanadium is a transition metal that exhibits a rich coordination chemistry and multiple stable oxidation states, specifically +2, +3, +4, and +5, each displaying distinct, vibrant colors in aqueous solution. It naturally occurs in approximately 65 different minerals, including vanadinite and carnotite, as well as in fossil fuel deposits. The metal is highly resistant to corrosion due to the formation of a protective film of oxide on its surface, similar to titanium and chromium. In its chemical behavior, it acts as an amphoteric element in its highest oxidation state, forming both vanadate salts and vanadyl cations. A significant portion of the vanadium produced globally is used as an alloying additive to steel, as it greatly increases the strength and toughness of the resulting alloy. Vanadium pentoxide (V2O5) is also heavily utilized as an industrial catalyst in the contact process for producing sulfuric acid.
Key facts
| Field | General Chemistry |
|---|---|
| Symbol | V |
| Atomic number | 23 |
| Atomic mass | 50.942 u |
| Category | Transition Metal |
| State at room temperature | Solid |
| Melting point | 1910 °C |
| Boiling point | 3407 °C |
| Year discovered | 1801 |
Vanadium is primarily used to produce ferrovanadium, an alloy added to steel to create high-strength structural components like axles, crankshafts, and gears for the automotive industry.
Frequently asked questions
What is the primary industrial use of vanadium?
The primary industrial use of vanadium is as an additive in the steel industry, where it is used to manufacture high-strength, low-alloy steels.
Is vanadium toxic?
Vanadium compounds can be toxic, particularly when inhaled as dust or fumes, but the pure metal is generally considered to have low toxicity.