Vanadium tetrachloride is a chloride of vanadium. It is an important starting reagent in the preparation of vanadium compounds. It is also used as a reagent and catalyst in organic chemistry. Vanadium is a transition metal with the chemical symbol V and atomic number 23. The element usually combines with other elements such as oxygen, sodium, sulfur, or chloride, and occurs naturally in about 65 different minerals and in fossil fuel deposits. Vanadium is found in many organisms, and is used by some life forms as an active center of enzymes. (7, 8, 9)
belongs to the class of inorganic compounds known as transition metal chlorides. These are inorganic compounds in which the largest halogen atom is Chlorine, and the heaviest metal atom is a transition metal.
Vanadium damages alveolar macrophages by decreasing the macrophage membrane integrity, thus impairing the cells' phagocytotic ability and viability. The pentavalent form of vanadium, vanadate, is a potent inhibitor of the Ca+-ATPase and Na+,K+-ATPase of plasma membranes, which decreases intracellular ATP concentration. Vanadium is also believed to induce the production of reactive oxygen species. This may damage DNA and also cause oxidative stress, which can damage the reproductive system. Vanadium also inhibits protein tyrosine phosphatases, producing insulin-like effects. (7, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5)
Metabolism
Vanadium is absorbed mainly via inhalation, though small amounts can be absorbed through the skin and gastrointestional tract. It is rapidly distributed in the plasma, mainly to the kidney, liver, lungs, heart, bone, where it tends to accumulate. With the help of cytochrome P-450 enzymes, it can interconvert between its two oxidation states, vanadyl (V+4) and vanadate (V+5). Both states of vanadium can reversibly bind to transferrin protein in the blood and then be taken up into erythrocytes. Vanadium is excreted mainly in the urine. (7)
No indication of carcinogenicity to humans (not listed by IARC).
Uses/Sources
Vanadium tetrachloride is an important starting reagent in the preparation of vanadium compounds. It is also used as a reagent and catalyst in organic chemistry. (9)
Breathing high levels of vanadium affects the lungs, throat, and eyes. Ingestion of vanadium may cause kidney and liver damage, birth defects, or death. (7)
Symptoms
Inhalation of vanadium causes lung irritation, coughing, wheezing, chest pain, runny nose, and a sore throat. (7)
Treatment
EYES: irrigate opened eyes for several minutes under running water. INGESTION: do not induce vomiting. Rinse mouth with water (never give anything by mouth to an unconscious person). Seek immediate medical advice. SKIN: should be treated immediately by rinsing the affected parts in cold running water for at least 15 minutes, followed by thorough washing with soap and water. If necessary, the person should shower and change contaminated clothing and shoes, and then must seek medical attention. INHALATION: supply fresh air. If required provide artificial respiration.
