Oxovanadium

Oxovanadium refers to chemical species that contain a vanadium–oxygen moiety, typically a short vanadium–oxo bond. The prototypical unit is the vanadyl group, [VO]2+, in which vanadium is in the +4 oxidation state and is doubly bonded to an oxygen atom. Related oxovanadium centers can also exist at higher oxidation states, such as V(V), with various oxo ligands. The V=O bond is a defining feature, and the remaining coordination sites are occupied by ligands such as water, hydroxide, halides, or organic groups. Complexes range in geometry from distorted octahedral to square-pyramidal.

In solution and in solids, oxovanadium compounds are formed when VO2+ or [VO]2+ units coordinate with available ligands. Common laboratory and industrial examples include vanadyl sulfate, vanadyl acetylacetonate, and a variety of oxovanadium complexes used in research and catalysis. Vanadyl sulfate is a well-known source of the vanadyl cation in aqueous chemistry.

Oxovanadium compounds are notable as catalysts for oxidation reactions, including selective oxidation of alcohols and hydrocarbons, and as components of industrial oxidation systems such as those based on vanadium(V) oxides. They appear in coordination chemistry studies and have been explored for potential biological activity and medicinal applications.

Safety and handling: Many oxovanadium compounds are toxic and should be handled with appropriate precautions to avoid ingestion, inhalation, or dermal exposure. Environmental considerations depend on the specific ligand set, and waste should be managed according to regulations for heavy metal compounds.