Some structural properties of a magnesium salt of 12-tungstophosphoric acid, MgHPW12O40.nH(2)O (MgHVvTA-n), are reported. The influence of the Mg2+ ion on the structure, dynamics of the protonic species, and dielectric and conductive characteristics of the salt have been studied. The interaction of protonic species with Keggin anion was discussed. Preliminary results of the crystal structure indicate that the structure is composed of Keggin anions and Mg(OH2)(6) aqua-complexes. Some comparisons are made with other alkaline-earth and alkaline salts of WPA. The results of thermal analysis (TGA and DTA), X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), infrared spectroscopy (IR), conductivity and permittivity measurements of MgHWPA-n are reported and discussed. (C) 2003 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.