Vanadium pentoxide is a fascinating inorganic compound. The chemical formula of this compound is V₂O₅. The powder of vanadium pentoxide is yellow/brown, but when mixed with water it turns to deep orange. This strange, yet interesting compound has a high oxidation rate and is both an oxidizing agent as well as an amphoteric agent. This compound is extremely rare and is found among fumaroles. When this compound is heated, it reversibly loses oxygen rather than gaining it and becomes V₂O₄, V₂O₃, VO, and metallic vanadium. This is generally used in sulfuric acid production and ferrovanadium production. Continue reading →