Element 74, the Wolfram Versus Tungsten Controversy
Two and a quarter centuries ago, a heavy mineral ore was found which was thought to contain a new chemical element called heavy stone (or tungsten in Swedish). A few years later, the metal was separated from its oxide and the new element (Z=74) was called wolfram. Over the years since that time, both the names wolfram and tungsten were attached to this element in various countries. Sixty years ago, IUPAC chose wolfram as the official name for the element. A few years later, under pressure from the press in the USA, the alternative name tungsten was also allowed by IUPAC. Now the original, official name 'wolfram' has been deleted by IUPAC as one of the two alternate names for the element. The history of this controversy is described here.
- Research Organization:
- Brookhaven National Lab. (BNL), Upton, NY (United States)
- Sponsoring Organization:
- Doe - Office Of Science
- DOE Contract Number:
- DE-AC02-98CH10886
- OSTI ID:
- 936303
- Report Number(s):
- BNL-81324-2008-CP; R&D Project: 05055; KB0301041; TRN: US200818%%651
- Resource Relation:
- Conference: IUPAC Inorganic Chemistry Division Committee Meeting; Helsinki, Finland; 20080811 through 20080812
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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