Phosphotungstic Acid Hydrate

The phosphotungstate family includes phosphotungstic acid hydrate. These complicated molecules have an oxygen atom and phosphate groups surrounding a central tungsten core. Its hydrate, which easily dissolves in methanol and water, demonstrates its preference for polar solvents. At room temperature, it is stable; at 100°C, it breaks down.
Phosphotungstic acid hydrate is interesting in that it functions as a strong acid. By giving water molecules, a proton (H+), it produces an extremely acidic environment (pH ≤ 2). The stability and structure of its hydroxyl groups are largely dependent on hydrogen bonds.
This unique combination of properties makes phosphotungstic acid hydrate a material of scientific interest.