Vanadium trichloride

Vanadium trichloride (CAS 7718-98-1) is an inorganic vanadium salt used primarily as a catalyst precursor in industrial chemical synthesis. It delivers active vanadium(III) centers that initiate and control polymerization reactions. This compound serves as a critical building block for Ziegler-Natta and related coordination catalyst systems. In plastics and polymer manufacturing, it is used to produce ethylene-propylene copolymers like EPM and EPDM rubbers.

Precise catalyst activity directly affects molecular weight distribution and product consistency in these materials. It also serves as a precursor for generating vanadium-based homogeneous catalysts used in olefin polymerization. This is particularly important where narrow polydispersity is required for high-performance applications. Beyond polymers, it functions as a starting material for synthesizing other vanadium compounds and coordination complexes.

These complexes are frequently used in specialty chemical research and catalyst development programs. Vanadium trichloride is supplied as a solid powder, typically in anhydrous form to preserve its chemical reactivity. Technical and research grades are the most commonly available, with purity specifications generally ranging from 97% upward. Packaging is moisture-sensitive, so it is typically offered in sealed, inert-atmosphere containers.

These specialized storage solutions are suited for industrial and laboratory procurement needs. The material must be handled with care to maintain its integrity and performance during the chemical manufacturing process.