Vanadium is a first-row transition metal known for its multiple accessible oxidation states (from +2 to +5) and versatile catalytic roles in oxidation and polymerization reactions. Vanadium oxides and complexes catalyze selective oxidations of hydrocarbons, olefins, and alcohols, often mimicking enzymatic activity (e.g., vanadium haloperoxidases). Vanadium catalysts are also crucial in the oxidative coupling of methane, where they enable C–C bond formation under mild conditions. The metal’s use in homogeneous catalysis extends to asymmetric epoxidations and oxidative coupling of alkynes. In materials chemistry, vanadium-based catalysts have applications in energy storage (e.g., vanadium redox flow batteries) and environmental remediation. With the ability to form stable oxo-species, vanadium remains an essential tool in both organic synthesis and industrial catalysis.