In freshly prepared samples, n is approximately 29, but after prolonged desiccation, n = 6.

[2] Silicotungstic acid is used to manufacture ethyl acetate by the alkylation of acetic acid by ethylene: It has also been commercialized for the oxidation of ethylene to acetic acid:[2] This route is claimed as a "greener" than methanol carbonylation.

The heteropoly acid is dispersed on silica gel at 20-30 wt% to maximize catalytic ability.

It has also recently been proposed as a mediator in production of hydrogen through electrolysis of water by a process that would reduce the danger of explosion while allowing efficient hydrogen production at low current densities, conducive to hydrogen production using renewable energy.

[1][4] The polyoxo cluster adopts a Keggin structure, with Td point group symmetry.