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Send EmailTungsten Trioxide, Tungsten Oxide, Dioxotungsten, Tungstic Anhydride, 1314‑35‑8
TUNGSTEN TRIOXIDE (WO₃)
TUNGSTEN TRIOXIDE / TUNGSTEN OXIDE / DIOXOTUNGSTEN / TUNGSTIC ANHYDRIDE
1. PRODUCT IDENTIFICATION AND CHEMICAL IDENTITY
| Parameter | Information |
|---|---|
| Product Name | Tungsten Trioxide |
| Chemical Name | Tungsten(VI) Oxide, Tungstic Anhydride |
| Other Names | Dioxotungsten(VI), WO₃, Tungsten Oxide |
| CAS Number | 1314-35-8 |
| EC Number (EINECS) | 215-231-4 |
| Chemical Formula | WO₃ |
| Molecular Weight | 231.84 g/mol |
| Appearance | Yellow crystalline powder (may have greenish tint depending on hydration state) |
| Odor | Odorless |
| Physical State (20°C) | Solid (powder) |
2. CHEMICAL STRUCTURE
2.1. Molecular Structure
Tungsten trioxide is an inorganic compound of tungsten and oxygen. Tungsten ions (W⁶⁺) and oxide ions (O²⁻) are present in a 1:3 ratio. It has a monoclinic crystal structure at room temperature and exhibits polymorphic transformations at high temperatures. It is insoluble in water but soluble in acids and alkalis. It is known for its electrochromic properties.
Structural Features:
TUNGSTEN TRIOXIDE [WO₃]
|
W⁶⁺ - O²⁻ Ionic/Covalent Bonds
|
+----------------+----------------+
| | |
Monoclinic Yellow Powder Electrochromic
Crystal Structure Properties
2.2. Structural Properties
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Crystal Structure | Monoclinic (stable at room temperature) |
| Chemical Formula | WO₃ |
| Molecular Weight | 231.84 g/mol |
| Density | ~7.16 g/cm³ |
| Appearance | Yellow crystalline powder |
| Melting Point | ~1473 °C |
| Boiling Point | ~1750 °C (sublimes) |
| Band Gap | ~2.6–2.8 eV |
3. PHYSICAL AND CHEMICAL PROPERTIES
| Property | Value | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Appearance | Yellow crystalline powder | May have greenish tint depending on hydration state |
| Odor | Odorless | - |
| Chemical Formula | WO₃ | - |
| Molecular Weight | 231.84 g/mol | - |
| Density | ~7.16 g/cm³ | - |
| Melting Point | ~1473 °C | - |
| Solubility in Water (25°C) | Insoluble | - |
| Solubility in Acids | Soluble | Soluble in sulfuric and hydrochloric acid |
| Solubility in Alkalis | Soluble | Forms tungstates |
| Crystal Structure | Monoclinic | - |
| Electrochromic Properties | Present | Changes color under voltage |
| Hygroscopicity | Low | - |
4. PURITY GRADES
| Parameter | Technical Grade | High Purity Grade | Analytical Grade | Ultra-High Purity Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Purity (WO₃) | ≥ 99.0% | ≥ 99.5% | ≥ 99.9% | ≥ 99.99% |
| Tungsten (W) Content | ≥ 79.0% | ≥ 79.3% | ≥ 79.5% | ≥ 79.7% |
| Iron (Fe) | ≤ 0.1% | ≤ 0.05% | ≤ 0.02% | ≤ 0.01% |
| Molybdenum (Mo) | ≤ 0.1% | ≤ 0.05% | ≤ 0.02% | ≤ 0.01% |
| Calcium (Ca) | ≤ 0.1% | ≤ 0.05% | ≤ 0.02% | ≤ 0.01% |
| Heavy Metals (Pb) | ≤ 50 ppm | ≤ 20 ppm | ≤ 10 ppm | ≤ 5 ppm |
| Chloride (Cl⁻) | ≤ 0.1% | ≤ 0.05% | ≤ 0.02% | ≤ 0.01% |
| Loss on Drying | ≤ 0.5% | ≤ 0.3% | ≤ 0.2% | ≤ 0.1% |
| Particle Size (D50) | 5-20 µm | 1-10 µm | 0.5-5 µm | 0.2-2 µm |
| BET Surface Area | 5-15 m²/g | 10-20 m²/g | 15-30 m²/g | 20-50 m²/g |
5. STABILITY AND REACTIVITY
| Parameter | Information |
|---|---|
| Chemical Stability | Stable under ambient conditions; exhibits polymorphic transformations at high temperatures. |
| Conditions to Avoid | Strong reducing agents, high humidity, strong acids and alkalis. |
| Incompatible Materials | Strong reducing agents, strong acids, alkaline metals. |
| Hazardous Decomposition Products | Upon oxidation at high temperatures: tungsten oxide (WO₃) is stable; upon reduction: tungsten metal or tungsten sub-oxides. |
| Hazardous Polymerization | Will not occur. |
| Hygroscopicity | Low. |
5.1. Chemical Reactions
Reaction with Alkalis (Tungstate Formation):
WO₃ + 2NaOH → Na₂WO₄ + H₂O
WO₃ + 2KOH → K₂WO₄ + H₂O
Reaction with Acids:
WO₃ + H₂SO₄ → WO₃·H₂O (Tungstic acid)
Reduction (at High Temperature):
WO₃ + 3H₂ → W + 3H₂O
WO₃ + 3C → W + 3CO
6. APPLICATION AREAS
6.1. Metallurgy
| Application | Function | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Tungsten Metal Production | Intermediate | Primary source of tungsten metal |
| Tungsten Carbide Production | Precursor | Used in WC production |
| Alloy Additive | Hardness enhancer | High-performance alloys |
6.2. Ceramic and Glass Industry
| Application | Function | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Ceramic Pigments | Yellow colorant | High temperature pigments |
| Glass Coloring | Yellow pigment | Decorative and industrial glass |
| Optical Coatings | Thin film | Special optical applications |
6.3. Electrochromic Devices
| Application | Function | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Smart Glass | Color changer | Changes color under voltage |
| Displays | Electrochromic displays | Low-power display devices |
| Automotive Mirrors | Anti-glare | Automatic dimming mirrors |
6.4. Catalyst Applications
| Application | Function | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Petrochemical Catalyst | Catalytic activity | Hydrocarbon conversions |
| Environmental Catalyst | NOx reduction | Emission control systems |
| Photocatalyst | Light activation | Degradation of organic pollutants |
6.5. Electronics and Sensors
| Application | Function | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Gas Sensors | Gas detection | NO₂, H₂, NH₃ sensors |
| Nanopowder Forms | Nanoscale material | Optoelectronics and catalysis studies |
| Thin Film Precursors | Coating material | PVD and sol-gel applications |
6.6. Sectoral Suitability Table
| Sector | Suitability | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| Metallurgy | Suitable | Tungsten metal/carbide precursor |
| Ceramics and Glass | Suitable | Pigment, optical coloring |
| Electrochromic | Suitable | Smart glass, thin film devices |
| Catalyst | Suitable | Petrochemical and environmental catalysts |
| Electronics | Suitable | Gas sensors, optical coatings |
| Food | Not Suitable | Heavy metal oxide, not suitable |
| Cosmetics | Not Suitable | Heavy metal oxide, not suitable |
7. PRODUCTION PROCESS
| Stage | Process | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Raw Material Preparation | Tungsten ore | Extraction from scheelite or wolframite ores |
| 2. Chemical Conversion | APT production | Ammonium paratungstate (APT) production |
| 3. Calcination | Thermal treatment | Conversion of APT to WO₃ (500-800°C) |
| 4. Purification | Chemical treatments | Removal of trace metals |
| 5. Nano Form Production | Physical/chemical route | Optional nanopowder production |
| 6. Quality Control | Analysis and testing | ICP-OES, XRD, BET surface area |
7.1. Major Producing Countries
| Country | Description |
|---|---|
| China | Major producer |
| Austria | Tungsten refining |
| USA | Tungsten refining |
| Russia | Tungsten mining |
8. ALTERNATIVE / SUBSTITUTE PRODUCTS
| Alternative | Description | When to Use |
|---|---|---|
| Ammonium Paratungstate (APT) | Tungsten precursor | When aqueous solution form is required |
| Tungstic Acid | Hydrated form | Special chemical syntheses |
| Molybdenum Trioxide (MoO₃) | Similar properties | Lower cost alternative |
| Vanadium Pentoxide (V₂O₅) | Catalyst applications | When different catalytic properties are required |
| Nickel Oxide (NiO) | Electrochromic applications | When different optical properties are required |
9. SAFETY AND TOXICOLOGY
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Acute Oral Toxicity (LD50, Rat) | > 2,000 mg/kg (low toxicity) |
| Dermal Toxicity | Low |
| Skin Irritation | Mild irritant |
| Eye Irritation | Mild to moderate irritant |
| Inhalation | Dust inhalation may cause respiratory tract irritation. |
| Carcinogenicity | Not classified as carcinogenic. |
| Mutagenicity | Not mutagenic. |
| Chronic Effects | Tungsten compounds have low bioavailability; prolonged exposure may cause lung effects. |
| Environmental Hazards | Low to moderate aquatic toxicity. |
9.1. GHS Classification
| Hazard Class | Category | H-Statement |
|---|---|---|
| Skin Irritation | Category 2 | H315: Causes skin irritation. |
| Eye Irritation | Category 2A | H319: Causes serious eye irritation. |
| Specific Target Organ Toxicity | Category 3 | H335: May cause respiratory irritation. |
Signal Word: WARNING
Hazard Pictograms: GHS07 (Exclamation Mark)
10. PRECAUTIONARY STATEMENTS (P-CODES)
| Code | Statement |
|---|---|
| P261 | Avoid breathing dust. |
| P264 | Wash thoroughly after handling. |
| P271 | Use only in well-ventilated areas. |
| P280 | Wear protective gloves/eye protection/face protection. |
| P302+P352 | IF ON SKIN: Wash with plenty of soap and water. |
| P304+P340 | IF INHALED: Remove person to fresh air and keep comfortable for breathing. |
| P305+P351+P338 | IF IN EYES: Rinse cautiously with water for several minutes. Remove contact lenses if present and easy to do. |
| P337+P313 | If eye irritation persists: Get medical advice/attention. |
| P501 | Dispose of contents/container in accordance with local regulations. |
11. FIRST AID MEASURES
| Exposure Route | Action to Take |
|---|---|
| Inhalation | Remove to fresh air. If symptoms persist, seek medical attention. |
| Skin Contact | Wash with plenty of soap and water. Remove contaminated clothing. If irritation persists, seek medical attention. |
| Eye Contact | Rinse thoroughly with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes. Remove contact lenses. If irritation persists, seek medical attention. |
| Ingestion | Rinse mouth. Do not induce vomiting. Drink plenty of water. If large amount is swallowed, seek medical attention. |
12. STORAGE AND SHELF LIFE
| Parameter | Condition |
|---|---|
| Storage Conditions | Store in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated area. Ensure a moisture-free environment. |
| Container Requirements | Moisture-proof, tightly closed containers. |
| Temperature | Room temperature (15-25°C). |
| Shelf Life | 24-36 months under appropriate conditions. |
| Stability Note | Stable under normal conditions; keep away from moisture and reducing agents. |
13. PACKAGING OPTIONS
| Packaging Type | Quantity | Material |
|---|---|---|
| Laboratory Packaging | 100 g, 500 g, 1 kg | HDPE bottle, aluminum foil bag |
| Industrial Packaging | 25 kg | PE-lined kraft bag, moisture-proof |
| Drum | 50 kg | HDPE drum, moisture-proof |
| IBC (Intermediate Bulk Container) | 500 kg, 1000 kg | Moisture-proof, palletized |
14. TRANSPORT INFORMATION
| Parameter | Information |
|---|---|
| UN Number | Not classified (specific regulations apply for metal oxides) |
| Hazard Class | - |
| Packing Group | - |
| ADR/RID | Not regulated (special precautions may be required for powder form) |
| IMDG | Not regulated |
| IATA | Not regulated |
| HS Code | 2825.90.00.00.00 (Metal oxides, tungsten compounds) |
15. REGULATORY STATUS
| Region / Authority | Status |
|---|---|
| European Union (REACH) | Registered |
| Turkey (KKDIK) | Compliance required |
| TSCA (USA) | Registered |
| EINECS | 215-231-4 |
| China | Registered; major production and export country |
16. OTHER NAMES AND SYNONYMS
| Name | Description |
|---|---|
| Tungsten(VI) Oxide | Chemical name |
| Tungstic Anhydride | Chemical name |
| Dioxotungsten(VI) | Chemical name |
| WO₃ | Chemical abbreviation |
| Tungsten Oxide | Short name |
| Yellow Tungsten Oxide | Trade name |
17. QUICK REFERENCE TABLE
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| CAS Number | 1314-35-8 |
| EC Number | 215-231-4 |
| Chemical Formula | WO₃ |
| Molecular Weight | 231.84 g/mol |
| Appearance | Yellow crystalline powder |
| Density | ~7.16 g/cm³ |
| Melting Point | ~1473 °C |
| Crystal Structure | Monoclinic |
| HS Code | 2825.90.00.00.00 |
| GHS Signal Word | WARNING |
18. CRITICAL WARNINGS AND BEST PRACTICES
CRITICAL WARNINGS:
Heavy Metal Oxide: Tungsten trioxide is a heavy metal oxide; careful handling is required due to environmental and toxicological concerns.
Incompatibility: Reacts with strong reducing agents (H₂, C) to form tungsten metal; this reaction may be exothermic.
Powder Hazard: Fine powder form may cause respiratory tract irritation. Dust control measures must be taken.
Alkali Reactivity: Reacts with alkalis to form tungstates; this reaction may cause uncontrolled heat generation.
Recycling: Tungsten is a valuable metal; recovery from tungsten scrap and spent catalysts is possible.
BEST PRACTICE RECOMMENDATIONS:
Storage:
Store in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated area.
Use moisture-proof, tightly closed containers.
Keep away from reducing agents and acids.
Store at room temperature (15-25°C).
Handling:
Use in well-ventilated areas with local exhaust ventilation.
Use a dust mask (N95 or better), protective goggles, and gloves.
Avoid dust formation and inhalation.
Wash hands thoroughly after handling.
Ensure controlled conditions when working with alkalis.
Avoid reducing atmospheres in high-temperature processes.
Waste Management:
Dispose of in accordance with local regulations at licensed disposal facilities.
Do not discharge into water sources.
For large quantities, tungsten recycling and recovery should be considered (valuable metal).
LEGAL DISCLAIMER
This Technical Data Sheet (TDS) is for informational purposes only and has been prepared based on available technical data. The user is solely responsible for determining the suitability of the product for their specific applications and for complying with all local, national, and international regulations. For complete safety, storage, handling, transport, disposal, and regulatory compliance information, the official Safety Data Sheet (SDS/MSDS) provided by the manufacturer/supplier must be consulted. This document does not substitute professional advice. Tungsten trioxide is a critical intermediate product for tungsten metal and tungsten carbide production; as a heavy metal oxide, it requires careful handling and disposal.