Vanadium is a grayish, soft and ductile, metallic element found in certain minerals and used in steel alloys, detergents and as a catalyst in chemical reactions. It is one of the transition elements and is a member of the Group 5 of the periodic table.
Vanadium is named for the Norse goddess Vanadis, and was discovered in 1801 by the Mexican mineralogist, Colonel Andres Manuel del Rio. He identified the new element in “brown lead,” the mineral he was studying. He did not immediately recognize it as a new element and named it “erythronium” because of the red-orange deposit that it left when heated. Later, after more research on the element, del Rio realized his mistake, and changed the name to “Vanadium.”
Vanadium has numerous industrial uses, principally in the production of steel alloys. It is added to steel to increase strength and corrosion resistance, and to enhance certain properties of the steel, such as strength, impact resistance, abrasion resistance and stability at elevated temperatures. Vanadium alloys are also used in armaments, such as in armor-piercing shells.
Vanadium is used in ferrous alloys as an alloying agent, to create stronger and more heat-resistant steels that have better magnetic properties. It is also used in non-ferrous alloys, such as in the manufacture of high-speed tools and cutting tools. Vanadium is an essential component in steel production, and is used in the formation of titanium alloys. It has become an important component used in many special alloys, such as the titanium-vanadium alloys used in jet engines and other high-performance components.
Vanadium has small but vital roles in the chemical industry as a catalyst for organic oxidation reactions and for the growth of organic materials. It is used as a catalyst in some chemical reactions, such as the hydrogenation of oils and fats, the alkylation of aromatic compounds, and the production of methanol. It is also used as an additive in some detergents, to increase their ability to remove oil and grease.
Vanadium is also important in the medical field. It is sometimes used to treat certain conditions, such as diabetes and arthritis. It is also used in the production of anti-cancer drugs, and has been used in medical tests to treat some types of cancer.
Vanadium is an essential trace element and is found in very small amounts in food sources, including seafood, mushrooms and certain types of nuts and grains. Vanadium supplements are available in capsule, tablet and liquid forms. They should be taken only under the guidance of a healthcare practitioner to reduce the risk of overdose.
Vanadium is one of the few transition elements that has a wide range of industrial applications. It is essential in the manufacture of steel alloys, and is used in catalysts for organic reactions and in medical applications. It is found in very small amounts in food sources, and supplements are available.
