A process and composition are disclosed for polishing tungsten containing select quaternary phosphonium compounds at low concentrations to at least reduce corrosion rate of tungsten. The process and composition include providing a substrate containing tungsten; providing a stable polishing composition, containing, as initial components: water; an oxidizing agent; select quaternary phosphonium compounds at low concentrations to at least reduce corrosion rate; a dicarboxylic acid, a source of iron ions; a colloidal silica abrasive; and, optionally a pH adjusting agent; providing a chemical mechanical polishing pad, having a polishing surface; creating dynamic contact at an interface between the polishing pad and the substrate; and dispensing the polishing composition onto the polishing surface at or near the interface between the polishing pad and the substrate; wherein some of the tungsten is polished away from the substrate, and corrosion rate of tungsten is reduced.
