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The consistency of sodium tungstate dihydrate is extremely important since the chemical effects as well as the industrial applications rely heavily upon it. Sodium tungstate manufactured in solid and liquid forms is then categorized as mono and polyhydrate based on the water molecules retained in their structures. Here categorization based on common composition and crystalline structure is evaluated.
Sodium tungstate dihydrate, formally written as Na2WO4 2H2O, is a hydrate sodium tungstate that obtains two water molecules per sodium tungstate molecule. This common form of the chemical is highly stable resulting into its wide production and arguably most used form. In the process of production, sodium tungstate is extracted from tungsten ores. Tungsten is extracted through alkali leaching. The product is mostly crystallized often in blueish white crystals or powder. These crystals are noted for their high solubility in acids and bases.
The anhydrous form consists of tetrahedral tungstate ions complexed with sodium cations only without water molecules. This is, however, less stable and less soluble than the dihydrate form. This composition with no more than two sodium cations and one tungstate ion results into higher ion density. The lack of water hydration shell makes the compound highly reactive. It easily exchanges sodium ions for other cations in chemical reactions.
A trihydrate form, represented as Na2WO4 3H2O has three water molecules for every formula unit of tungstate. This results into a less soluble and more stable compound compared to the dihydrate. Usually found in specific industrial applications, the three water molecules aid in stabilizing the compound during storage and in influencing the release of tungstate ions in solutions gradually.
Na2WO42H2O sodium tungstate dihydrate finds diverse applications in many industries due to its chemical properties. Common uses range from extracting tungsten to manufacturing catalysts, pigments, and ceramics.
Sodium tungstate dihydrate is the primary and bulk chemical that is used in recovering tungsten from ores. Tungsten is normally found in ores like wolframite and scheelite. Sodium tungstate reacts with these ores during the alkali leaching process to release tungsten in the dissolved form of tungstate ions. These dissolved tungstate ions can easily precipitate tungsten compounds or convert them into tungsten acids through further chemical manipulation.
Sodium tungstate dihydrate is also used as a fertilizer in mineralized soils that are poor in tungsten supply. Tungsten is crucial nutrient for plants in trace element quantities. It aids in nitrogen fixation and promotes root development and enzyme activity. Sodium tungstate applied as fertilizer enhances crop yields especially in crops that are sensitive to tungsten such as legumes and brassicas. These crops benefit from fertilization with tungstate as they have higher tolerance to this element and thus better absorption.
It is also utilized as a catalyst activator in the synthesis of organic chemicals. Specifically, sodium tungstate is involved in the epoxidation of alkenes which is a reaction to transform unsaturated hydrocarbons into valuable pharmaceutical precursors. Tungstate compounds are used during such reactions to increase tungstate ion adsorption thereby increasing the reaction rate. This way very small concentrated amounts of sodium tungstate can give very effective catalytic activity.
The sodium tungstate’s high thermal stability, mechanical strength and low expansion coefficient makes it ideal for enhancing tungsten containing ceramics. Sodium tungstate acts as a flux in tungsten carbide synthesis. This leads to lower temperatures during sintering and improved workability. In the production of tungsten oxides in the production of solid oxide fuel cells, sodium tungstate aids in refining the microstructure and optimizing conductivity.
Na2WO4 is also used as an anti corrosion agent in plating baths for electroplating processes. It offers corrosion protection and extends the lifetime of metallic coatings in electroplating processes for coatings with high durability.
With such a wide variety of uses, sodium tungstate becomes a very versatile compound in many industries ranging from agriculture, catalysis, coating, production of ceramics and extraction processes of tungsten.
Sodium tungstate dihydrate, denoted as Na2WO4 2H2O comprises sodium, tungsten, oxygen and hydrogen elements. It is formed when two water molecules are integrated into every formula unit of sodium tungstate. This compound’s molecular structure is complex and interesting because of its unique arrangement of ions and polarized water molecules.
This compound has two sodium cations embedded in each sodium tungstate molecule complexed with one tungstate ion. The tungstate ion consists of a tungsten atom centrally located and bonded to four oxygen atoms in a symmetrical tetrahedral arrangement. There is a strong ionic interaction between the sodium cations and the tungstate ion. These ionic bonds are responsible for the stability of the molecular structure of the compound.
The two water molecules are loosely bound in the structure of sodium tungstate dihydrate. This stabilizes the crystalline form of the compound and enhances its solubility properties when it dissolves in water. The polar nature of water molecules surrounds and separates the ionic components. This interaction forms hydration shells that facilitate the dissociation.
The connection of sodium and tungstate ions through the framework of a sodium tungstate tetrahedral tungstate ion is illustrated as shown below.
Molecular Formula: The molecular formula for sodium tungstate dihydrate indicates the compound’s quantitative composition. The formula is a summation of every atom embedded in a molecule without regard to the structure.
Molecular Symmetry: The symmetrical tetrahedral arrangement of the tungstate ion contributes to its high chemical stability and reactivity. S arises from the symmetry and well defined spatial arrangement of the different bond of the tetrahedron.
Functional Groups: The two water molecules per sodium tungstate unit are representative of the presence of the hydration functional group. These molecules not only affect the solubility but also the reactivity of the compound.
Understanding the specifications of sodium tungstate dihydrate highlights the important role that purity, stability and crystal structure play in determining the effectiveness of this compound in any application. These properties are also crucial when considering the compound for research or industrial application.
Molecular Weight
The molecular weight of sodium tungstate dihydrate is approximately 328.11 grams per mole. This molecular weight influences the dosing and mixing calculations for any end-user in solutions or compounds.
Purity
Purity levels of sodium tungstate dihydrate are required to be generally at 99% or greater. This is because impurities can alter the chemical reactions. It also affects the yield and product quality negatively during the extraction of tungsten or in any other chemical processes.
Crystal Structure
Sodium tungstate dihydrate has an orthorhombic crystal structure. It appears as well defined crystals ranging from white or pale blue in color. Physical properties such as solubility, stability and reaction differ based on the crystal form obtained.
Solubility
This compound is highly soluble in water to form alkaline solution. This is typically about 50 grams per liter at room temperature. It is however more soluble in acidic and alkaline solutions compared to pure water. Its solubility makes it ideal for extracting tungsten and preparing tungstate solutions for other applications.
Storage Conditions
Sodium tungstate dihydrate readily absorbs moisture from air due to its hygroscopic property. This property requires it to be stored in dry and airtight containers. It should also be kept in a cool and stable environment free from direct sunlight and heat exposure.
Applications in Research
Purity and stability maintain the reactions in catalysis and in other research applications. For example, sodium tungstate acts as a catalyst in some organic synthesis reactions during chemical research.
Versatile Industrial Applications
Sodium tungstate dihydrate is applicable in a wide range of industries. It is used from agriculture to catalysis and extraction of tungsten. This is due to its chemical properties. During these applications, it acts as a source of tungstate ions. These ions perform many critical functions including acting as catalysts and promoting ion exchange.
High Solubility and Reactivity
This compound is highly soluble in water and in most acidic as well as basic environments. This makes it easy to incorporate solutions in chemical reactions. Its high reactivity is due to the presence of ionic bonds in the structure of tungstate ions. These ions exchange easily during reactions, thus increasing the compound’s effectiveness as a catalyst and in the extraction of tungsten.
Stable and Easily Stored
Sodium tungstate dihydrate is stable at room temperatures. In addition, it is relatively easy to store and to transport. While most compounds are volatile or are hygroscopic, sodium tungstate dihydrate exists as a solid crystalline compound that is easy to handle and store. Furthermore, unlike some tungsten compounds, sodium tungstate dihydrate is non-toxic. This makes it safer to handle in industrial settings.
Environmental Concerns
A disadvantage of sodium tungstate dihydrate usage is that it can potentially have negative environmental influences. Sodium tungstate is used as fertilizer for tungsten in agriculture. However, excessive application leaches into water systems. This causes toxicity to aquatic organisms. Furthermore, tungsten is uncommonly added in soils as a contaminant. Thus it contributes to soil pollution.
Limited Availability
While sodium tungstate is used widely, tungsten extraction used to produce it is often economically expensive. Tungsten ores are dense and hard to process. This makes tungsten extraction labor intensive and costly. This limits the availability of sodium tungstate dihydrate to most industries globally.
Handling and Safety Issues
Though less toxic compared to other tungsten compounds, sodium tungstate dihydrate can still cause irritation to skin, eyes and respiratory tract. It poses risks that require personal protective equipment during handling. This can prove cumbersome in some industrial applications.
When buying sodium tungstate dihydrate, buyers should consider these aspects:
Purity
Above all, the sodium tungstate dihydrate compound should have high purity. It should have no contamination or have very minimal accepted impurity. Such impurities can affect sodium tungstate reactions leading to incorrect experimental results. It can also lead to poor product yields when used in industrial processes.
Packaging
This compound is hygroscopic. It easily absorbs moisture from the environment thus leading to clumping. If this happens, its crystals can also lose their chemical efficacy. So, buyers should invest in sodium tungstate dihydrate that's properly packaged in sealed containers. These containers should also be resistant to moisture to ensure they're not affected by environmental elements.
Storage and Shipping Conditions
Buyers should consider the supplier's storage facilities to prevent them from getting products that have been affected by high humidity levels. Similarly, if intending to place bulk orders, it's prudent to first verify whether the supplier can maintain consistent supply since such products are in high demand. In cases where suppliers provide long shipping durations, it's important to note how they plan to ensure the product arrives in good condition. Verify whether they employ appropriate measures to prevent exposure to extreme temperatures.
Market Price
Buyers should price compare different suppliers’ prices to secure profitable bulk deals. They shouldn't overlook costs that will affect the final price directly. These costs include taxes and shipping. They should only settle for the prices that will keep them at par with other competing businesses. In cases where the price is too high, wholesale sodium tungstate dihydrate can be incentivized to prevent making bulk purchase a financial burden.
Physical Properties
Consider the physical properties of sodium tungstate dihydrate that can affect its application. These properties include crystal form and size. They are crucial factors to consider because they can affect its solubility which is key when in chemical reactions.
A1: Tungstate increases nutrient uptake in plants particularly nitrogen and phosphorus. It stimulates root development and improves the overall efficiency of how plants utilize water and nutrients. This leads to stronger growth and healthier plants.
A2: Sodium tungstate dihydrate can be irritating to the skin and eyes. It can cause respiratory issues if inhaled. Therefore, appropriate personal protective equipment like gloves, goggles and masks should be worn. Also, ensure there's good ventilation when handling the compound.
A3: The main challenge is that tungsten ores have low concentration. Additionally, they are hard to process making the entire extraction method labor-intensive and costly.
A4: Tungstate ions are generated when sodium tungstate dihydrate dissolves in solutions. These ions then act as catalysts in various chemical reactions. This is particularly in organic synthesis where they're used in epoxidation reactions. They enhance reaction rates and thus increasing product yields.
A5: Sodium tungstate dihydrate while useful in agriculture can have negative environmental effects when leached into water systems. Its high concentration can be toxic to aquatic organisms. Therefore, it should be applied carefully and in recommended doses only.
