The vanadium in V₂O₅ has an oxidation state of +5, which is the highest stable oxidation state for vanadium.
Because it is already at a high oxidation state, vanadium can gain electrons by being reduced to lower oxidation states (+4, +3, or +2).
In the process, it causes other species to lose electrons (i.e., to be oxidized). That makes it an oxidizing agent.
Here, V₂O₅ helps oxidize sulfur dioxide (SO₂) to sulfur trioxide (SO₃).
👉 So V₂O₅ is a strong oxidizing agent, often used in redox reactions and as a catalyst.
