heteropoly acid

chemical compound

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June 29, 2026

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A heteropoly acid is a complex oxygen-containing acid formed from two or more different inorganic acids by eliminating water. These acids can be thought of as being created when acid anhydrides, like those of molybdenum or tungsten, combine with a second acid that provides a central atom, such as phosphorus or silicon. This distinguishes them from isopoly acids, which are formed from only one type of acid anhydride.12

The term "heteropoly-" itself means containing several groups or ions of different acid-forming elements. These compounds are significant in chemistry and have various applications, including as catalysts and in analytical chemistry.32

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coordination compound
Isopoly and heteropoly anions
…or silicic acids) to form heteropoly acids, which can form heteropoly salts. The condensation reactions, which occur reversibly in dilute aqueous solution, involve formation of oxo bridges by elimination of water from two molecules of the weak acid. The best-known and simplest example is the condensation of yellow chromate ion…
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…or silicic acids) to form heteropoly acids, which can form heteropoly salts. The condensation reactions, which occur reversibly in dilute aqueous solution, involve formation of oxo bridges by elimination of water from two molecules of the weak acid. The best-known and simplest example is the condensation of yellow chromate ion…
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