What Is Sodium Tungstate?
Sodium tungstate, Na2WO4, serves as a crucial intermediate in tungsten extraction and finds diverse applications in industries ranging from dyes and ceramics to microbiology and electron microscopy.
Uses of Sodium Tungstate
Utilized as a mordant, metal treatment agent, catalyst, and staining agent for electron microscopy, sodium tungstate enhances contrast with its high electron density. Additionally, it’s recognized for its hypoglycemic effects and is vital in culture media for microorganism growth.
Properties of Sodium Tungstate
A white solid with a melting point of 698°C and excellent water solubility, sodium tungstate acts as a weak oxidizing agent and forms alkaline solutions.
Types of Sodium Tungstate
Available mainly as dihydrate or aqueous solutions for research and industrial applications, it plays roles in dyeing, metal treatment, and as a catalyst base.
1. Reagent Products
For R&D, sodium tungstate dihydrate is sold in quantities like 25g, 100g, and 500g, often at room temperature or as a 9.3% aqueous solution.
2. Industrial Use Products
As a catalyst material or for metal and ceramic processing, the dihydrate form is preferred, underscoring its versatility in manufacturing.
Other Information on Sodium Tungstate
1. Production
Produced from ores like wolframite through melting with sodium hydroxide or carbonate, sodium tungstate is extracted and refined for various uses.
2. Hydrate Forms
Its solubility leads to the formation of decahydrate or dihydrate depending on the temperature, with the dihydrate form being widely used.
3. Chemical Reactions
Reacts with hydrochloric acid to produce tungsten trioxide, demonstrating its role in further chemical processes and industrial applications.