VOacac2

VOacac2, commonly written VO(acac)2, is the coordination complex of vanadium in the +4 oxidation state with two acetylacetonate ligands and a terminal oxo ligand, collectively described as the vanadyl acetylacetonate complex. The formula is VO(C5H7O2)2. Each acetylacetonate ligand is a bidentate ligand that binds through its two adjacent oxygen atoms, yielding a five-coordinate vanadium center in a square-pyramidal arrangement with the oxo group occupying the apical position.

It is prepared by treating a vanadyl source (for example VOCl3 or VOSO4) with acetylacetone (Hacac) under basic conditions to deprotonate Hacac, followed by crystallization from an appropriate solvent. The process affords VO(acac)2 as a crystalline solid that is stable under ambient conditions.

The V=O motif (vanadyl) is a characteristic feature; the two acac ligands create the equatorial plane. The complex is paramagnetic due to a single unpaired electron on vanadium(IV). It is moderately soluble in nonpolar organic solvents such as dichloromethane and toluene and has limited water solubility.

VO(acac)2 is a versatile, air-stable precursor for vanadium-containing catalysts and materials. It is commonly used to prepare VO2-containing compounds and other vanadium(IV) complexes, serving as a convenient starting material in inorganic synthesis and materials chemistry.

Safety: VO(acac)2 should be handled with standard lab safety practices for metal-organic complexes. It may be harmful if ingested or inhaled and should be avoided touching eyes or skin; use gloves and work in a well-ventilated area.