heteropolytungstate

Heteropolytungstates are complex inorganic acids and their salts that contain several groups or ions of different acid-forming elements. They are formed when tungstic acid anhydrides condense with other acids, such as phosphoric or silicic acids. These compounds are typically prepared in solution and are known for their high molecular weights, high solubility in water and organic solvents, and tendency to be highly hydrated.12

Heteropolytungstates can act as strong oxidizing agents and can be reduced to stable, deep blue species known as heteropoly blues. They have found applications in various fields, including catalysis, molecular sieves, and as precipitants for dyes. The structure of these compounds involves tungsten atoms at the center of octahedrons, which share corners or edges with other octahedrons.2