Zinc Hydroxide - Zn(OH)2

What is Zinc Hydroxide?

Zinc hydroxide is an inorganic chemical compound with formula Zn(OH)2. It occurs naturally in three rare minerals namely wulfingite, ashoverite and sweetite. It is an amphoteric hydroxide. Zinc hydroxide reacts with both bases and acids. It is an insoluble hydroxide which reacts with strong acid and gets dissolved.

Table of Contents

Properties of Zinc Hydroxide 

Zn(OH)2 Zinc hydroxide
Density 3.05 g/cm³
Molecular Weight/ Molar Mass 99.424 g/mol
Melting Point 125° C (257° F)
Chemical Formula H2O2Zn

Zinc Hydroxide Structure – Zn(OH)2

Structure of Zinc Hydroxide

Physical Properties of Zinc Hydroxide – Zn(OH)2

Odour Odourless
Appearance Dull white flocculent precipitate
Valency of Zn 2
pH 8.88
Oxidation state +2
Solubility Slightly soluble in water, insoluble in alcohol

Chemical Properties of Zinc Hydroxide – Zn(OH)2

    • Aluminium reacts with zinc hydroxide solution gives a white precipitate which is soluble in excess of the reagent to form complex Al(OH)4 indicates the presence of aluminium.

2Al3+(aq) + 3Zn(OH)2(aq) → 2Al(OH)3(s) + 3Zn

    • Zinc cations react with hydrogen sulphide in the presence of ammonia and ammonium chloride form a white precipitate of zinc sulphide which is soluble in acids.

Zn2+(aq) + S2- → ZnS(s)

Uses of Zinc Hydroxide – Zn(OH)2

  • Used in medicine as an adsorbing agent.
  • Utilised for careful dressings where it works as a retentive. Huge bandages that are utilised post-medical procedure are covered with the zinc compound for engrossing the blood from the injury.
  • Used as an intermediate for commercial production of pesticides and pigments.
Test Your Knowledge On Zinc Hydroxide!

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