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

[2] The unprotonated anion [W12O42]12- has C2h symmetry.

Structure of the paratungstate [H 2 W 12 O 42 ] 10- , highlighting its relatively low symmetry.