Raman spectra of the compounds vanadia, vanadium(V) oxytrichloride, and vanadium(V) triisopropoxide oxide were recorded using several laser wavelengths in the range 482.5-1064 nm for excitation. Data recorded were analyzed by comparing band intensities with those of reference compounds free from resonance Raman effects in the laser wavelength range used. Results obtained show that in the case of vanadia and vanadium(V) oxytrichloride the intensity ratio I-v=o/I-ref is largest for an excitation wavelength of 676.5 nm, whereas in case of vanadium(V) triisopropoxide oxide, I-v=o/I-ref is largest for excitation with the 482.5 nm laser line. The study provides guidelines for which laser wavelength is most useful for the characterization by Raman spectroscopy of vanadium oxide layers on catalysts and of compounds useful for the preparation of such catalysts.