n.
Metallic chemical element , one of the transition element s, chemical symbol V, atomic number 23.
A silvery white, soft metal found (always combined) in various minerals, coal, and petroleum, it is used in alloys with steel and iron for high-speed tool steel, high-strength low-alloy steel, and wear-resistant cast iron . Unalloyed, it is used in high-temperature applications, as a target in X-ray applications, and as a catalyst. Its compounds, in which it has various valence s, have many beautiful colours in solution and are used as catalysts and mordants (see dye ).