Sodium Metavanadate (NaVO3)

Sodium Metavanadate (NaVO3), also known as Sodium Vanadate(V), is a versatile inorganic compound with a wide range of applications across various industries. As a product expert, I will provide a comprehensive overview of Sodium Metavanadate, covering its chemical properties, production process, applications, safety considerations, and more.

Chemical Properties

Sodium Metavanadate is a white to off-white or light yellow crystalline powder. It has a molecular formula of NaVO3 and a molecular weight of 121.93 g/mol. The compound is highly soluble in water, with a solubility of 10 mg/mL in water at room temperature, and it is non-flammable. Sodium Metavanadate is a moderately strong oxidizing agent and is stable under normal conditions when stored in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated environment.

Production Process

Sodium Metavanadate is typically synthesized by dissolving vanadium pentoxide (V2O5) in a sodium hydroxide (NaOH) solution, followed by concentration and crystallization. The chemical reaction can be represented as: V2O5 + 2NaOH → 2NaVO3 + H2O.

Applications

Sodium Metavanadate has numerous applications across different industries:

Analytical Reagent: It is used as an analytical reagent in laboratories for various chemical analyses.

Corrosion Inhibitor: Sodium Metavanadate is a highly effective corrosion inhibitor, providing up to 98% inhibition efficiency at 200 ppm, and is used to protect carbon steel.

Catalyst: It serves as a catalyst in various chemical reactions and processes.

Photography Industry: It is used in the photography industry for specific applications.

Pharmaceutical Industry: Sodium Metavanadate is used in the pharmaceutical industry for research and development purposes.

Biological Research: It is used as a vanadium source in microbial cultures to study vanadium reduction in mesophilic and thermophilic methanogens.

Alloy and Catalyst Production: It is involved in the production of vanadium alloys and catalysts.

Safety and Handling

Sodium Metavanadate is toxic if ingested and can cause irritation to the eyes, skin, mucous membranes, and upper respiratory tract. It is important to handle it with care, using appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) such as gloves, goggles, and masks. In case of accidental exposure, specific first aid measures should be followed, including rinsing with water, seeking fresh air, and consulting a physician.

Environmental Impact

While Sodium Metavanadate is not classified as highly hazardous to the environment, it should be handled and disposed of responsibly to minimize environmental impact. Proper waste management practices should be followed to ensure environmental safety.

Conclusion

Sodium Metavanadate is a multifunctional compound with diverse applications in analytical chemistry, corrosion inhibition, catalysis, and biological research. Its unique chemical properties make it an essential component in various industrial and research processes. When handled and stored properly, Sodium Metavanadate can be safely used to achieve desired outcomes in its respective applications.