What is the Difference Between Isopoly and Heteropoly Acids?

The main difference between isopoly and heteropoly acids lies in the nature of the acids or anions they are formed from. Here are the key differences:

• Isopoly Acids: These acids are formed from the combination of similar acids or anions, meaning they have the same repeating unit. Examples of isopoly acids include isopolychromate, isopolymolybdate, isopolytungstate, isopolyvanadate, and isopolyniobates.
• Heteropoly Acids: These acids are formed from the combination of different acids or anions, meaning they have different repeating units. Examples of heteropoly acids include H3PW12O40 and H6P2Mo18O62.

In summary, isopoly acids are formed from the combination of similar acids or anions, while heteropoly acids are formed from the combination of different acids or anions.

Comparative Table: Isopoly vs Heteropoly Acids

The main difference between isopoly and heteropoly acids lies in the types of acid anhydrides that combine to form them. Here is a table summarizing the differences between isopoly and heteropoly acids:

Isopoly acids are formed when acid anhydrides of the same type condense, while heteropoly acids are formed when acid anhydrides of different types condense. Heteropoly acids can be formed by coordination of the central atom with four to six oxo anions, which may be mononuclear or trinuclear. There are numerous types of heteropoly acids, as about 70 elements can act as central (hetero) atoms in heteropoly anions.