Vanadium pentoxide
[CAS# 1314-62-1]

Identification

• Classification: Inorganic chemical industry >> Inorganic salt >> Oxides and peroxides >> Metal oxide
• Name: Vanadium pentoxide
• Synonyms: C.I. 77938; Divanadium pentaoxide
• Molecular Formula: V₂O₅
• Molecular Weight: 181.88
• CAS Registry Number: 1314-62-1
• EC Number: 215-239-8
• SMILES: O=[V](=O)O[V](=O)=O

Properties

• Density: 3.357 g/mL (Expl.)
• Melting point: 690 ºC (Expl.)
• Boiling point: 1750 ºC (Decomposes) (Expl.)
• Solubility: water 1 g/125 mL (Expl.)

Safety Data

• Hazard Symbols: GHS06;GHS08;GHS09 Danger
• Hazard Statements: H301-H330-H335-H341-H350-H361fd-H362-H372-H411
• Precautionary Statements: P203-P260-P261-P263-P264-P270-P271-P273-P280-P284-P301+P316-P304+P340-P316-P318-P319-P320-P321-P330-P391-P403+P233-P405-P501

Hazard Classification

Hazard	Class	Category Code	Hazard Statement
Germ cell mutagenicity	Muta.	2	H341
Chronic hazardous to the aquatic environment	Aquatic Chronic	2	H411
Specific target organ toxicity - single exposure	STOT SE	3	H335
Specific target organ toxicity - repeated exposure	STOT RE	1	H372
Reproductive toxicity	Repr.	2	H361
Acute toxicity	Acute Tox.	4	H332
Acute toxicity	Acute Tox.	4	H302
Serious eye damage	Eye Dam.	1	H318
Acute toxicity	Acute Tox.	3	H301
Reproductive toxicity	Lact.	-	H362
Reproductive toxicity	Repr.	2	H361fd
Carcinogenicity	Carc.	1B	H350
Acute toxicity	Acute Tox.	2	H330
Acute hazardous to the aquatic environment	Aquatic Acute	1	H400
Acute toxicity	Acute Tox.	2	H300
Specific target organ toxicity - repeated exposure	STOT RE	2	H372
Eye irritation	Eye Irrit.	2	H319
Carcinogenicity	Carc.	2	H351
Specific target organ toxicity - single exposure	STOT SE	1	H370
Reproductive toxicity	Repr.	2	H361fd

• Transport Information: UN 2862

Discovory and Applicatios

Vanadium pentoxide (V₂O₅) is an inorganic compound that was first recognized in the early 19th century when vanadium-containing minerals were being investigated. Vanadium itself was discovered in 1801, and its oxides were subsequently characterized. V₂O₅ is the most stable and commercially significant oxide of vanadium, appearing as an orange-red crystalline solid. It exhibits both acidic and oxidizing properties, making it a versatile reagent in chemical processes. Its layered structure allows for intercalation of ions, which is relevant to catalytic and electrochemical applications.

The primary industrial application of vanadium pentoxide is in the production of ferrovanadium alloys, which are important in steelmaking. The addition of vanadium to steel improves hardness, strength, and resistance to corrosion and wear, making it valuable for tools, automotive components, and structural applications. V₂O₅ is first reduced to ferrovanadium through metallothermic reactions with iron or other reducing agents, allowing controlled incorporation into steel alloys.

Vanadium pentoxide also serves as a catalyst, most prominently in the oxidation of sulfur dioxide to sulfur trioxide in the contact process for sulfuric acid production. Its catalytic activity arises from the variable oxidation states of vanadium, which facilitate redox cycles. Beyond sulfuric acid synthesis, V₂O₅ catalysts are employed in oxidation reactions of hydrocarbons, such as the selective oxidation of naphthalene, anthraquinone production, and other industrial organic transformations. Its use as a catalyst improves reaction rates, selectivity, and energy efficiency.

Electrochemical applications of vanadium pentoxide include its role in lithium-ion and vanadium redox flow batteries. In these systems, V₂O₅ acts as a cathode material or participates in redox couples, contributing to energy storage and conversion. Its ability to reversibly intercalate lithium or vanadium ions allows for repeated charge-discharge cycles with high efficiency and stability, making it relevant for renewable energy storage and grid stabilization.

V₂O₅ is also used in ceramics and glass as a coloring agent and in the preparation of vanadium-containing pigments. Its incorporation can produce yellow, green, or blue hues depending on the composition and processing conditions. Additionally, it finds applications in chemical sensors, corrosion inhibitors, and as a precursor to other vanadium compounds for research and industrial purposes.

Safety and environmental considerations are significant in the handling of vanadium pentoxide, as it is toxic and a respiratory irritant in dust or fume form. Industrial processes include measures to control exposure and emissions. Its environmental impact is managed by strict regulations governing disposal and occupational exposure limits.

The discovery and subsequent development of vanadium pentoxide have enabled its wide application in metallurgy, catalysis, energy storage, and materials science. Its combination of chemical stability, oxidizing power, and catalytic versatility continues to make it a critical compound in industrial and technological contexts.

References

2016. Carbon wrapped hierarchical Li3V2(PO4)3 microspheres for high performance lithium ion batteries. Scientific Reports, 6.
DOI: 10.1038/srep33682

2012. Enhanced Electrochromism in Gyroid-Structured Vanadium Pentoxide. Advanced Materials, 24(5).
DOI: 10.1002/adma.201104272

2025. Synthesis of self-supported V2O5-coated graphite felt composite cathode for high-performance zinc-ion batteries. Ionics.
DOI: 10.1007/s11581-025-06556-y