Paratungstate

In chemistry, paratungstate refers to the anion with the formula [W₁₂O₄₂]^12- and salts derived from this anion. The term also refers to protonated derivatives of this anion, including [H₂W₁₂O₄₂]^10-. Ammonium paratungstate (or APT), (NH₄)₁₀[H₂W₁₂O₄₂] is a key intermediate in the purification of tungsten from its ores.^[1]

Structure of the paratungstate [H₂W₁₂O₄₂]^10-, highlighting its relatively low symmetry.

The salt (NH₄)₁₀(W₁₂O₄₂)·4H₂O has been characterized by X-ray crystallography.^[2]

The unprotonated anion [W₁₂O₄₂]^12- has C_2h symmetry.

See also

• Metatungstate [W₁₂O₄₀]^8-, with idealized T_d symmetry.