METATUNGSTIC ACID Meaning and
Definition
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Metatungstic acid is an inorganic compound that belongs to the family of tungsten-containing acids. It is formally known as "hexahydroxo(dioxo)tungsten" or referred to by its chemical formula H6O19W6. Metatungstic acid is a highly reactive and soluble compound that is usually found in the form of white crystals or a coarse white powder.
In terms of its chemical structure, metatungstic acid is composed of six tungsten atoms surrounded by hydroxyl (OH) groups and oxygen atoms. The hexavalent tungsten is connected to two oxygen atoms in the form of double bonds (dioxo groups), and the remaining four oxygen atoms are attached as hydroxyl groups. This arrangement results in a complex polyoxoanion structure.
Metatungstic acid possesses strong acidic properties and can be classified as a strong acid under certain conditions. It can react with bases to form salts called metatungstates. These salts are often used in various industrial applications, such as catalysts, pigments, and as corrosion inhibitors.
Due to its solubility and reactivity, metatungstic acid finds applications in analytical chemistry for the determination of phosphorus and its compounds. It is often utilized as a reagent to precipitate phosphates from solution. Furthermore, it is also employed in some staining techniques for biological samples and as a mordant in dyeing processes.
In summary, metatungstic acid is an inorganic acid compound that consists of six tungsten atoms bonded to hydroxyl and oxygen groups. It possesses strong acidic properties and is employed in a variety of industrial and analytical applications.
Etymology of METATUNGSTIC ACID
The word "metatungstic acid" has a straightforward etymology based on its chemical composition. Here's how it breaks down:
1. Meta-: The prefix "meta-" derives from the Ancient Greek word "meta", meaning "after" or "beyond". In chemistry, "meta-" commonly indicates a modification or transformation in the structure or properties of a compound.
2. Tungstic: The term "tungstic" comes from "tungsten", the element with atomic number 74 in the periodic table. Tungsten is a dense, heavy metal often used in alloys and resistant to high temperatures. The name "tungsten" itself originates from the Swedish language, translating to "heavy stone" due to its high density.
