Zinc acetate (Zn(C2H3O2)2) is a chemical compound. It has many uses in industries and laboratories. It is soluble in water and can form white crystalline structures.
| IUPAC Name | Zinc Acetate |
| Molecular Formula | Zn(C2H3O2)2 |
| CAS Number | 557-34-6 |
| Synonyms | Zinc Diacetate, Zinc Ethanoate, Acetic Acid Zinc Salt |
| InChI | InChI=1S/2C2H4O2.Zn/c21-2(3)4;/h21H3,(H,3,4);/q;;+2/p-2 |
Zinc Acetate Properties
Zinc Acetate Formula
The chemical formula of zinc ethanoate is Zn(C2H3O2)2. It consists of one zinc (Zn) ion and two acetate (C2H3O2) ions. The formula represents the ratio of atoms present in the compound.
Zinc Acetate Molar Mass
The molar mass of zinc ethanoate can be calculated by adding the atomic masses of each element in the formula. For zinc (Zn), the atomic mass is 65.38 g/mol, and for acetate (C2H3O2), it is 59.05 g/mol. Thus, the molar mass of zinc ethanoate is approximately 183.39 g/mol.
Zinc Acetate Boiling Point
Zinc ethanoate does not have a distinct boiling point, as it tends to decompose and lose acetic acid when heated. Instead, it breaks down into zinc oxide and acetic acid at high temperatures.
Zinc Acetate Melting Point
Zinc ethanoate has a melting point of around 237°C (459°F). At this temperature, the solid compound transforms into a liquid state. The melting point is an important characteristic used for identification.
Zinc Acetate Density g/mL
The density of zinc ethanoate is approximately 1.84 g/mL. Density is the measure of mass per unit volume of a substance. Zinc ethanoate’s density is relatively high, indicating its compactness.
Zinc Acetate Molecular Weight
The molecular weight of zinc ethanoate is 183.39 g/mol. It is the sum of the atomic weights of all the atoms in the compound. Molecular weight is crucial for various calculations and chemical reactions.
Zinc Acetate Structure
Zinc ethanoate has a simple structure, with the zinc ion (Zn) at its center surrounded by two acetate ions (C2H3O2). The acetate ions form coordinate covalent bonds with the zinc ion.
Zinc Acetate Solubility
Zinc ethanoate is soluble in water and other polar solvents. The solubility in water is relatively high, and it forms a colorless solution. The compound’s solubility is essential for its various applications in industries and laboratories.
| Property | Value |
| Appearance | White crystals |
| Specific Gravity | 1.84 g/mL |
| Color | Colorless |
| Odor | Odorless |
| Molar Mass | 183.39 g/mol |
| Density | 1.84 g/cm³ |
| Melting Point | 237°C (459°F) |
| Boiling Point | Decomposes |
| Flash Point | Not applicable |
| Water Solubility | Soluble |
| Solubility | Soluble in water and other polar solvents |
| Vapour Pressure | Not available |
| Vapour Density | Not available |
| pKa | Not available |
| pH | Neutral (7) |
Zinc Acetate Safety and Hazards
Zinc ethanoate poses minimal safety hazards when handled properly. It may cause mild skin and eye irritation. Avoid inhalation or ingestion, as it can lead to respiratory and gastrointestinal discomfort. Store in a cool, dry place away from incompatible substances. Wear appropriate protective equipment during handling. In case of contact, rinse affected areas with plenty of water. Seek medical attention if irritation persists. Follow good laboratory practices and safety guidelines to prevent accidents. While it is generally safe, responsible handling and precautionary measures are essential to ensure a safe working environment.
| Hazard Symbols | None |
| Safety Description | Causes mild skin irritation, Causes eye irritation, Avoid inhalation/ingestion. |
| UN IDs | Not applicable |
| HS Code | 29152900 |
| Hazard Class | Not classified |
| Packing Group | Not applicable |
| Toxicity | Low toxicity |
Zinc Acetate Synthesis Methods
There are several methods for synthesizing zinc ethanoate. One common approach involves the reaction between zinc oxide (ZnO) and acetic acid (CH3COOH). The two substances are mixed, and the reaction takes place at an elevated temperature. During the process, the zinc oxide reacts with acetic acid, resulting in the formation of zinc ethanoate and water.
Another method involves the reaction of zinc metal with acetic acid. Zinc metal is added to acetic acid, and the reaction occurs, producing zinc ethanoate and hydrogen gas.
Alternatively, zinc ethanoate can be prepared by reacting zinc carbonate (ZnCO3) with acetic acid. The zinc carbonate reacts with acetic acid to produce zinc ethanoate, carbon dioxide, and water.
Furthermore, zinc ethanoate can be obtained by treating zinc hydroxide (Zn(OH)2) with acetic acid. The reaction between these substances yields zinc ethanoate and water.
Regardless of the method used, the resulting zinc ethanoate can be further purified through crystallization or filtration processes. Care should be taken during synthesis to ensure safety and obtain a high-quality product.
Zinc Acetate Uses
Zinc ethanoate finds a wide range of applications across various industries due to its versatile properties. Some of its common uses include:
- Pharmaceutical Industry: Zinc ethanoate actively contributes to immune function and wound healing, as pharmaceutical companies incorporate it into various medications and dietary supplements to provide a source of zinc.
- Textile Industry: In the textile industry, it serves as a mordant in dyeing processes to fix and enhance the colorfastness of textile dyes on fabrics.
- Chemical Synthesis: Zinc ethanoate acts as a catalyst in organic reactions, facilitating esterification and acetylation processes.
- Wood Preservation: Wood treatment formulations utilize zinc ethanoate to protect against fungal and termite attacks, extending the lifespan of wood products.
- Galvanizing: In galvanization, zinc ethanoate serves as a precursor in the production of zinc coatings, providing corrosion resistance to steel and other metals.
- Laboratory Applications: Researchers and scientists use zinc ethanoate as a reagent in various laboratory experiments and analytical procedures.
- Skin Care Products: Ointments and creams incorporate zinc ethanoate for its astringent and soothing properties, beneficial for skin conditions like acne.
- Deicer: Some regions use zinc ethanoate as an environmentally friendly deicer on roads and sidewalks during winter to prevent ice formation.
- Gas Desulfurization: Zinc ethanoate finds application in gas scrubbing processes to remove sulfur compounds from industrial emissions.
- Food Industry: In the food industry, zinc ethanoate acts as a food additive, serving as an acidity regulator and stabilizer in some processed foods.
Overall, zinc ethanoate’s diverse applications demonstrate its significance across multiple industries, making it a valuable compound in various manufacturing and research processes.
Questions:
Q: Which substance is important in making plastics?
A: Acetic acid is essential in making plastics as it is commonly used as a raw material in the production of various synthetic polymers.
Q: What is zinc acetate?
A: Zinc ethanoate is a chemical compound formed by the reaction of zinc oxide or zinc metal with acetic acid, resulting in a white crystalline solid.
Q: What is the formula for zinc acetate?
A: The formula for zinc ethanoate is Zn(C2H3O2)2.
Q: Is zinc acetate soluble?
A: Yes, zinc ethanoate is soluble in water and other polar solvents.
Q: Are zinc acetate and zinc gluconate blood thinners?
A: No, zinc ethanoate and zinc gluconate are not blood thinners. They are forms of zinc used as dietary supplements.
Q: Is zinc acetic acid a solid?
A: Zinc acetic acid is not a specific compound. It may refer to the reaction product of zinc with acetic acid, which would be a solid zinc compound.
Q: What element and compound have the same chemical reaction as zinc and acetic acid?
A: The element is zinc (Zn), and the compound is zinc oxide (ZnO), which react similarly to zinc and acetic acid.
Q: What is the balanced equation for zinc and acetic acid?
A: The balanced equation is: Zn + 2CH3COOH → Zn(CH3COO)2 + H2.
Q: What does zinc acetate do for the skin?
A: Zinc ethanoate is used in skincare products for its astringent properties, helping soothe and alleviate skin conditions like acne.