VANADIUM(V) TRICHLORIDE OXIDE

Chemical properties

Lemon-yellow liquid. Nonionizing solvent. Dissolves most nonmetals; dissolves and/or reacts with many organic compounds; hydrolyzes in moisture.

Chemical properties

Vanadium(V) oxytrichloride (VOCl3) is readily hydrolyzed and forms coordination compounds with simple donor molecules, eg, ethers, but is reduced by reaction with sulfur-containing ligands and molecules. It is completely miscible with many hydrocarbons and nonpolar metal halides, eg, TiCl4, and it dissolves sulfur.

The Uses of VANADIUM(V) TRICHLORIDE OXIDE

Vanadium(V) trichloride oxide is used as a catalyst in olefin polymerization reaction, especially for the production of ethylene-propylene rubber. It is also used to synthesis organovanadium compounds and as a mordant in dyeing. It acts as a precursor to prepare vanadium pentoxide, vanadyl dichloride and dioxovanadium monochloride. Further, it serves as a reagent and a strong oxidizing agent in organic synthesis.

The Uses of VANADIUM(V) TRICHLORIDE OXIDE

Catalyst in olefin polymerization (ethylenepropylene rubber) organovanadium synthesis.

What are the applications of Application

Vanadium(V) oxychloride is an inorganic compound used for chemical synthesis

Air & Water Reactions

Fumes in air. Reacts with moist air to form vanadic acid and hydrochloric acid fumes [Von Schwartz 1918. p.321]. Reacts exothermically with water to generate acidic fumes and acidic solutions. Violently hygroscopic.

Reactivity Profile

VANADIUM(V) TRICHLORIDE OXIDE is incompatible with bases, including amines, with strong oxidizing agents, and with alcohols. May react vigorously or explosively if mixed with diisopropyl ether or other ethers in the presence of trace amounts of metal salts [J. Haz. Mat., 1981, 4, 291]. Combination with sodium metal led to a violent explosion [Bretherick 5th ed., 1995].

Health Hazard

Inhalation of vapor causes irritation of nose and throat. Ingestion causes irritation of mouth and stomach. Contact with eyes or skin causes severe irritation.

Fire Hazard

Special Hazards of Combustion Products: Irritating fumes of hydrogen chloride may form in fires.

Flammability and Explosibility

Non flammable

Safety Profile

Poison by ingestion. A corrosive irritant to skin, eyes, and mucous membranes. Explosive reaction with sodmm. Violently hygroscopic. Violent reaction with rubidium (at 6OoC), potassium. When heated to decomposition it emits toxic fumes of VOx and Cl-. See also VANADIUM COMPOUNDS and HYDROCHLORIC ACID.

Purification Methods

VOCl3 should be lemon yellow in colour. If it is red, it may contain VCl4 and Cl2. Fractionally distil it, and then redistil it over metallic Na, but be careful to leave some residue because the residue can become EXPLOSIVE in the presence of the metal. USE A SAFETY SHIELD and avoid contact with moisture. It readily hydrolyses to vanadic acid and HCl. Store it in a tightly closed container or in sealed ampoules under N2. [Brown & Griffitts Inorg Synth I 106 1939, Brown & Griffitts Inorg Synth IV 80 1953.]