![]()  | |
![]()  | |
| Names | |
|---|---|
| Other names
 Tungstosilicic acid  | |
| Identifiers | |
  | |
3D model (JSmol)  | 
  | 
| ChemSpider | |
| ECHA InfoCard | 100.206.333 | 
PubChem CID  | 
|
| UNII | 
  | 
CompTox Dashboard (EPA)  | 
  | 
  | |
  | |
| Properties | |
| H4[SiW12O40] | |
| Molar mass | 2878.2 g/mol | 
| Appearance | White solid | 
| Melting point | 53 °C (127 °F; 326 K) | 
| Structure | |
| zero | |
| Hazards | |
| GHS labelling: | |
![]() ![]()  | |
| Danger | |
| H314, H315, H319, H335, H412 | |
| P260, P261, P264, P271, P273, P280, P301+P330+P331, P302+P352, P303+P361+P353, P304+P340, P305+P351+P338, P310, P312, P321, P332+P313, P337+P313, P362, P363, P403+P233, P405, P501 | |
| Flash point | Non-flammable | 
| Related compounds | |
Related heteropoly acids  | 
Phosphotungstic acid | 
Related compounds  | 
Tungsten trioxide Tungstic acid  | 
Except where otherwise noted, data are given for materials in their standard state (at 25 °C [77 °F], 100 kPa). 
Infobox references  | |
Silicotungstic acid or tungstosilicic acid is a heteropoly acid with the chemical formula H4[SiW12O40]. It forms hydrates H4[SiW12O40]·nH2O. In freshly prepared samples, n is approximately 29, but after prolonged desiccation, n = 6.[1] It is a white solid although impure samples appear yellow. It is used as a catalyst in the chemical industry.[2]
Applications
Silicotungstic acid is used to manufacture ethyl acetate by the alkylation of acetic acid by ethylene:
- C2H4 + CH3CO2H → CH3CO2C2H5
 
It has also been commercialized for the oxidation of ethylene to acetic acid:[2]
- C2H4 + O2 → CH3CO2H
 
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.[3]
Synthesis and structure
The free acid is produced by combining sodium silicate and tungsten trioxide followed treatment of the mixture with hydrochloric acid.[1][4] The polyoxo cluster adopts a Keggin structure, with Td point group symmetry.
Hazards
Silicotungstic acid is an irritating and odorless substance.
References
- 1 2 Dias, J. A.; Dias, S. C. L.; Caliman, E. (2014). "Keggin Structure Polyoxometalates". Keggin Structure Polyoxoometalates. Inorganic Syntheses. Vol. 36. p. 210-217. doi:10.1002/9781118744994.ch39. ISBN 9781118744994.
 - 1 2 Misono, Makoto (2009). "Recent progress in the practical applications of heteropolyacid and perovskite catalysts: Catalytic technology for the sustainable society". Catalysis Today. 144 (3–4): 285–291. doi:10.1016/j.cattod.2008.10.054.
 - ↑ Rausch, Benjamin; Symes, Mark D.; Chisholm, Greig; Cronin, Leroy (September 12, 2014). "Decoupled catalytic hydrogen evolution from a molecular metal oxide redox mediator in water splitting". Science. American Association for the Advancement of Science. 345 (6202): 1326–1330. Bibcode:2014Sci...345.1326R. doi:10.1126/science.1257443. PMID 25214625. S2CID 20572410.
 - ↑ Handbook of Preparative Inorganic Chemistry, 2nd Ed. Edited by G. Brauer, Academic Press, 1963, NY.
 



