Sodium metavanadate

Sodium metavanadate (CAS 13718-26-8), also referenced commercially as sodium trioxovanadate and NaVO3, is an inorganic vanadium salt used across industrial chemistry as a catalyst precursor and biocidal agent. Its solubility in aqueous systems makes it a practical source of vanadate ions for processes where controlled vanadium delivery is required. In water treatment, it functions as a corrosion inhibitor and biocide.

The compound protects industrial cooling systems and pipelines from microbial fouling and metal degradation. Mining and hydrometallurgical operations use it as a catalyst precursor in oxidation processes. This includes the recovery and refining of non-ferrous metals. Pharmaceutical and biotechnology research relies on vanadate solutions prepared from this salt to inhibit phosphatase enzymes in cell biology assays.

It also serves catalyst manufacturing as a vanadium source in the preparation of mixed-oxide catalysts for sulfuric acid production and other oxidation reactions. This makes it vital for chemical synthesis. Sodium metavanadate is supplied as a white to pale yellow crystalline powder or granular solid. Technical grade is the standard commercial form, with higher-purity grades available for research.

Analytical applications may require specific quality standards such as ACS or USP depending on the final use. Packaging typically ranges from small laboratory quantities to bulk industrial supply.