Potassium metavanadate

Potassium metavanadate

Potassium metavanadate/ CAS: 13769-43-2

Potassium metavanadate (KVO₃) is an inorganic compound that is often used as a vanadium source in chemical processes and has several distinctive properties. Here are the key characteristics:

Physical properties

Potassium metavanadate typically appears as a white or pale yellow crystalline powder or solid. Its color can vary slightly depending on purity and exposure to air.
It is moderately soluble in water, forming a slightly alkaline solution due to the presence of the metavanadate ion. The solubility increases with temperature.
The aqueous solution can undergo hydrolysis, particularly in acidic conditions, to form vanadium species in lower oxidation states.

Chemical properties

Like other vanadates, potassium metavanadate is a mild oxidizing agent. This property is due to the vanadium in the +5 oxidation state, which can be reduced to lower oxidation states (such as V⁴⁺ and V³⁺). It is used in redox reactions where vanadium’s ability to switch between oxidation states plays a role.
Potassium metavanadate is relatively stable at room temperature, but when heated, it decomposes to form vanadium pentoxide (V₂O₅) and potassium compounds.
Its decomposition releases oxygen and vanadium compounds, making it useful in high-temperature chemical processes.

Applications:

  • Catalysis: Potassium metavanadate is used as a precursor for the production of catalysts, especially vanadium-based catalysts in the oxidation of sulfur dioxide to sulfur trioxide in sulfuric acid production.
  • Chemical Reagent: It is used in analytical chemistry, particularly for redox titrations and other quantitative analyses, to detect or analyze certain metal ions.
  • Electronics: In certain specialized applications, potassium metavanadate can be used in the development of electrochemical cells or as an intermediate in material science applications.

Potassium metavanadate is toxic and should be handled with care. Inhalation or ingestion of the compound can lead to harmful effects on the respiratory system, kidneys, and other organs.

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