Zinc acetate - Zn(CH₃COO)₂(H₂O)₂

What is Zinc acetate?

Zn(CH₃COO)₂(H₂O)₂ is an acetate salt with the chemical name zinc acetate. It is also called Zinc diacetate or Dicarbomethoxyzinc or acetate salt of zinc. It can be obtained by reacting zinc oxide (ZnO) with acetic acid. It is widely used as an emetic, astringent, and styptic.

Zinc acetate appears in two forms viz anhydrous and dihydrate form. It is a white crystalline solid.

Table of Contents

• Production of Zinc acetate
• Zinc acetate structure – Zn(CH3COO)2(H2O)2
• Properties of Zinc acetate – Zn(CH3COO)2(H2O)2
• Zn(CH3COO)2(H2O)2 Uses (Zinc acetate)
• Health hazards
• Frequently Asked Questions

Production of Zinc acetate

• Anhydrous zinc acetate is produced by reacting zinc nitrate (Zn(NO₃)₂) and acetic anhydride.
• Action of acetic acid (CH₃COOH) on zinc oxide (ZnO).

Zinc acetate structure – Zn(CH₃COO)₂(H₂O)₂

Properties of Zinc acetate – Zn(CH₃COO)₂(H₂O)₂

Zn(CH₃COO)₂(H₂O)₂ Uses (Zinc acetate)

• Zinc acetate is used in lozenges to treat the common cold.
• Used in treating zinc deficiencies.
• Used to treat Wilson’s disease.
• Used in the manufacturing of polymers.
• Used as a dye mordant.
• Used as a plating inhibitor in power plants.
• Used as a waterproofing agent.
• Used as dental cement for temporary fillings.
• Used as an indirect food additive.

Health hazards

Inhaling zinc diacetate may cause mild irritation in the throat and nose which leads to sneezing and coughing. Swallowing causes corrosion or irritation of the alimentary tract which results in vomiting. It is a non-flammable compound.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the uses of zinc acetate?

Several lozenges that are synthesized by the pharmaceutical industry for the treatment of the common cold employ zinc acetate as a component. This compound is also used medically for the treatment of zinc deficiencies in humans. Another important medical application of this compound is its role in the treatment of Wilson’s disease. Ointments that employ zinc acetate as a component are widely used in the treatment of acne. In fact, some zinc acetate based ointments are also used topically to counteract itches and rashes. This compound is also used industrially to preserve the wood. Another important industrial application of zinc acetate is its use in the manufacture of several commercially important zinc salts. This compound also finds use in polymers and in the industrial production of ethyl acetate. In the field of analytical chemistry, it is not uncommon for zinc acetate to be employed as an analytical reagent.

What happens when zinc acetate is heated?

When anhydrous zinc acetate is heated in a vacuum, the compound loses acetic anhydride and a black residue of basic zinc acetate (CH3COO)2(H2O)2 is obtained. This black residue can be considered a cluster compound which has a tetrahedral structure. It can be noted that this compound is quite similar to basic beryllium acetate. It can also be noted that when zinc acetate is heated to 237 degrees celsius, it undergoes a decomposition reaction. Therefore, this compound does not have any specific boiling point (since it decomposes before reaching any specific boiling point).

Is zinc acetate soluble in water?

Yes, zinc acetate is soluble in water. At a temperature of 20 degrees celsius, the dihydrate form of zinc acetate has a solubility of 430 grams per litre in water. It can also be noted that this compound is also sparingly soluble in other organic solvents. For example, the solubility of zinc acetate in methanol corresponds to 15 grams per litre.

Learn more about the structure, physical and chemical properties of Zn(CH₃COO)₂(H₂O)₂ from the experts at BYJU’S.