Sodium Tungstate

Sodium tungstate, Na2WO4, a tungstate of sodium, is useful as a source of tungsten. It is prepared from tungsten ores used to manufacture tungsten by reducing it. It is often found as the dehydrate, Na2WO4•2H2O. This salt is soluble in water and is a moderately strong oxidizing agent, but finds no common use in the chemistry laboratory. Like the molybdate, the deep-colored complex tungstate is formed on reducing the compound with a very mild reducing agent, such as complex organic compounds. It is also thought to be a possible inhibitor of protein-tyrosine phosphates. It is also sometimes used as a fireproofing agent. It is used as mordant in dyeing, for weighting silk, for fireproofing fabrics, as a reagent for pigment, ace to acetic acid, Tannins, uric acid and sometimes for decoloursing acetic acid etc.