Na3VO4

Na3VO4, commonly called sodium orthovanadate, is a white, water-soluble salt of vanadium(V) with the formula Na3VO4. It is the sodium salt of orthovanadate and belongs to the vanadate family. In aqueous solution, orthovanadate species exist in multiple forms depending on pH, including H2VO4-, HVO4^2-, and VO4^3-.

Preparation and properties: It is typically prepared by neutralizing vanadate sources with sodium hydroxide followed by crystallization of the orthovanadate salt. The solid is a crystalline compound that dissolves readily in water. In solution, its speciation is pH-dependent, which can influence reactivity and biological activity.

Applications: Sodium orthovanadate is widely used as a biochemical reagent and as an inhibitor of protein tyrosine phosphatases and other phosphatases. It acts as a transition-state analog of phosphate hydrolysis and is used to modulate phosphorylation states in cell signaling studies. It also serves as a precursor for vanadium oxide materials and has various laboratory applications.

Safety: Vanadium compounds, including Na3VO4, can be toxic to humans and hazardous to the environment. Proper precautions should be taken to avoid ingestion, inhalation, or skin and eye contact, and waste should be disposed of according to applicable regulations.