Orthovanadous

Orthovanadous refers to compounds containing the orthovanadate anion, which has the chemical formula VO4^3-. This anion is derived from orthovanadic acid, H3VO4. Orthovanadates are salts of this acid. Vanadium in the orthovanadate anion is in the +5 oxidation state, which is the most stable oxidation state for vanadium.

Common examples of orthovanadates include sodium orthovanadate (Na3VO4) and potassium orthovanadate (K3VO4). These compounds are typically white crystalline solids and are soluble in water. Orthovanadates can be formed by the reaction of vanadium pentoxide (V2O5) with a strong base. For instance, heating V2O5 with sodium hydroxide would yield sodium orthovanadate.

In solution, orthovanadate species can undergo polymerization to form polyvanadates, depending on the pH. At very low pH, other vanadium oxyanions like metavanadate (VO3^-) or pyrovanadate (V2O7^4-) may be more prevalent. Orthovanadates find applications in various fields, including as catalysts, corrosion inhibitors, and in the synthesis of other vanadium compounds. They are also of interest in biological systems, although the precise roles of vanadium in living organisms are still under investigation.