Formula H2WO4 Molar mass 249.85 g/mol Density 5.59 g/cm³ | Melting point 100 °C Boiling point 1,473 °C Appearance yellow powder | |
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Tungstic acid refers to hydrated forms of tungsten trioxide, WO3. The simplest form, the monohydrate, is WO3·H2O, the dihydrate WO3·2H2O is also known. The solid state structure of WO3·H2O consists of layers of octahedrally coordinated WO5(H2O) units where 4 vertices are shared. The dihydrate has the same layer structure with the extra H2O molecule intercalated between the layers. The monohydrate is a yellow solid and insoluble in water. The classical name for this acid is 'acid of wolfram'.
Contents
The acid was discovered for the first time by Carl Wilhelm Scheele in 1781.
Tungstic acid meaning
Preparation
Tungstic acid is obtained by the action of strong acids on solutions of alkali metallic tungstates. It may also be prepared from the reaction between hydrogen carbonate and sodium tungstate. It can also be obtained from pure tungsten by reaction with hydrogen peroxide.
Uses
It is used as a mordant and a dye in textiles.
