In chemistry, paratungstate refers to the anion with the formula [W<sub>12</sub>O<sub>42</sub>]<sup>12-</sup> and salts derived from this anion. The term also refers to protonated derivatives of this anion, including [H<sub>2</sub>W<sub>12</sub>O<sub>42</sub>]<sup>10-</sup>. Ammonium paratungstate (or APT), (NH<sub>4</sub>)<sub>10</sub>[H<sub>2</sub>W<sub>12</sub>O<sub>42</sub>] is a key intermediate in the purification of tungsten from its ores.
The salt (NH<sub>4</sub>)<sub>10</sub>(W<sub>12</sub>O<sub>42</sub>)÷4H<sub>2</sub>O has been characterized by X-ray crystallography.
The unprotonated anion [W<sub>12</sub>O<sub>42</sub>]<sup>12-</sup> has C<sub>2h</sub> symmetry.