Discovery, properties and applications of tungsten and its inorganic compounds

After a historical excursus, the basic properties of tungsten are summarized, followed by selected classes of inorganic compounds (tungsten halides and oxyhalides, tungsten oxides, Magneli phases and tungsten bronzes, iso- and heteropolyoxotungstates). Subsequently, the specifics of non-sag tungsten wire as well as tungsten carbide and a variety of tungsten alloys, the green bullets and the suppression of tungsten's leachability are described. In conclusion, tungsten's medicinal role is discussed.