Zinc chloride, Zincchlorideultradry, Zinc chloride, anhydrous,  7646-85-7 

Zinc Chloride, Zinc chloride ultra dry, Zinc Chloride Anhydrous, 7646-85-7 

ZINC CHLORIDE (ZnCl₂)
PRODUCT IDENTIFICATION INFORMATION

CHEMICAL STRUCTURE

Zinc Chloride (ZnCl₂)

Cl⁻ — Zn²⁺ — Cl⁻

Molecular Formula: ZnCl₂
SMILES: [Zn+2].[Cl-].[Cl-]
InChI: InChI=1S/2ClH.Zn/h2*1H;/q;;+2/p-2
InChIKey: JIAARYAFYJHUJI-UHFFFAOYSA-L
Structure: Ionic compound with covalent character; Tetrahedral coordination in solid state; Linear in gas phase.

SECTION 1: CHEMICAL IDENTITY AND DESCRIPTION

SECTION 2: PHYSICAL AND CHEMICAL PROPERTIES

SECTION 3: ZINC CHLORIDE FORMS

SECTION 4: CHEMICAL PROPERTIES AND REACTIVITY

SECTION 5: ZINC COMPOUNDS COMPARISON

SECTION 6: PRODUCTION METHODS

Method 1: Hydrochloric Acid Method (Zinc Oxide + HCl)

Reaction: ZnO + 2HCl → ZnCl₂ + H₂O

Description: Zinc oxide is added to a reactor containing a measured amount of hydrochloric acid to form a zinc chloride solution. When the pH of the solution reaches 3.5-4, the solution is allowed to stand and precipitate. The clear liquid is sent for first purification, where barium chloride, potassium perchlorate, potassium chlorate, etc. are added to remove tellurium, iron, and other impurities. After standing and settling, the liquid is sent for second purification, where zinc powder is added to trap heavy metals such as lead and cadmium. After filtration, the filtrate is concentrated in a graphite slope evaporator. The concentrated dilute zinc chloride solution flows from high to low, and the outlet concentration reaches over 98%, precipitating crystals. After crushing, zinc chloride is produced.

Method 2: Reaction of Zinc Metal with Hydrochloric Acid

Reaction: Zn + 2HCl → ZnCl₂ + H₂↑

Description: Metallic zinc (scrap, granulated, or pure) is reacted with hydrochloric acid; Hydrogen gas is released; The solution is concentrated, evaporated, and crystallized; Anhydrous product can be obtained by heating. Most common and widely used method.

Method 3: Reaction of Zinc Sulfide with Hydrochloric Acid

Reaction: ZnS + 2HCl → ZnCl₂ + H₂S↑

Description: Zinc sulfide is reacted with hydrochloric acid; Hydrogen sulfide gas is released (requires scrubbing); Solution is concentrated and crystallized.

Method 4: Direct Chlorination of Zinc

Reaction: Zn + Cl₂ → ZnCl₂

Description: Metallic zinc is reacted directly with chlorine gas at elevated temperatures; Anhydrous zinc chloride is produced directly; This method is used for high-purity anhydrous product.

SECTION 7: FUNCTIONAL PROPERTIES AND MECHANISM OF ACTION

SECTION 8: MAIN APPLICATION AREAS

SECTION 9: QUALITY SPECIFICATIONS

SECTION 10: TOXICOLOGICAL PROFILE

SECTION 11: GHS CLASSIFICATION AND LABELING

GHS Classification (in accordance with CLP and UN GHS):

Signal Word: DANGER

Hazard Pictograms: GHS05 (Corrosion), GHS07 (Exclamation Mark), GHS09 (Environment)

Hazard Statements (H-Codes):

Risk Codes (EU - Old System): R22 (Harmful if swallowed), R34 (Causes burns), R50/53 (Very toxic to aquatic organisms, may cause long-term adverse effects in the aquatic environment)

Safety Descriptions (EU - Old System): S26, S36/37/39, S45, S60, S61

NFPA 704 Hazard Classification:

SECTION 12: PRECAUTIONARY STATEMENTS (P-CODES)

SECTION 13: FIRST AID MEASURES

SECTION 14: FIREFIGHTING MEASURES

SECTION 15: STORAGE AND SHELF LIFE

SECTION 16: PACKAGING OPTIONS

SECTION 17: TRANSPORT INFORMATION

SECTION 18: REGULATORY STATUS

SECTION 19: OTHER NAMES AND SYNONYMS

SECTION 20: SUMMARY TABLE

SECTION 21: CRITICAL WARNINGS AND BEST PRACTICES

CRITICAL WARNINGS:

• Causes severe skin burns and eye damage (H314). Corrosive substance. Avoid skin and eye contact. Wear full protective equipment.

• Causes serious eye damage (H318). Wear chemical splash goggles. In case of eye contact, rinse with plenty of water and seek immediate medical attention.

• Harmful if swallowed (H302). Do not ingest. Corrosive to mouth, throat, and gastrointestinal tract. Do NOT induce vomiting.

• May cause respiratory irritation (H335). Avoid inhalation of dust. Use in well-ventilated areas. Inhalation of zinc chloride fumes can injure lungs and respiratory tract.

• Very toxic to aquatic life with long-lasting effects (H410). Avoid release to the environment. Do not discharge into sewers or waterways.

• Highly hygroscopic (deliquescent). Absorbs moisture rapidly from air. Store in tightly closed, moisture-proof containers. Protect from moisture at all times.

• Exothermic dissolution in water. Dissolves with significant heat release. Add to water slowly with stirring to avoid splashing.

• Corrosive to metals. In presence of moisture, attacks many metals (especially iron, copper, aluminum). Use corrosion-resistant equipment.

• Incompatibilities: Strong bases (violent reaction), cyanides (toxic HCN), sodium metabisulfite, potassium permanganate, hydrogen peroxide, strong oxidizing agents, acid and alkali (must not be co-stored).

• Dusts or fumes cause dermatitis, boils, conjunctivitis, and gastrointestinal tract upset.

• Non-combustible but generates toxic HCl and zinc oxide fumes at fire site.

• Hygiene Requirement: Wash hands thoroughly after handling. Avoid dust formation. Do not eat, drink, or smoke while using. Personal protective equipment must be worn by workers.

BEST PRACTICE RECOMMENDATIONS:

Chemical Synthesis (Catalyst): Use as a Lewis acid catalyst in organic synthesis; Friedel-Crafts acylation and alkylation reactions; Dehydration and condensation reactions; Production of vanillin, eargrass aldehyde, anti-inflammatory drugs, cation exchange resins; Use anhydrous form for best results; Moisture deactivates the catalyst; Store in airtight containers.

Soldering/Brazing (Flux): Use as a soldering flux for electronics, plumbing, and metalworking; Dissolves oxides and cleans metal surfaces; Provides excellent wetting and adhesion; Use in conjunction with flux-cored solder; Apply solution directly to joints before soldering; Zinc chloride solution can dissolve metal oxides at high temperature; Used as welding electrode flux.

Wood Preservation: Use as a wood preservative (impregnation); Protects against fungi, termites, and wood-decaying organisms; Makes wood anticorrosive and flame retardant; Also used as flame retardant for cardboard and cloth products; Follow EPA/EC regulations for wood preservatives; Use proper protective equipment during application.

Textile Processing: Use as a mordant in dyeing processes; Acts as a silk gloss agent and sizing agent; Used in production of tampon barrels, shuttles, and other materials (as cosolvent for cotton fibers); Improves fiber adhesion; Used in production of reactive dyes and cationic dyes; Follow textile industry protocols for application.

Water Treatment: Use as a corrosion inhibitor in cooling water systems; Prevents scale and corrosion; To inhibit zinc salt precipitation in composite corrosion inhibitor, add small amounts of H₂SO₄, HCl, H₃PO₄, or glacial acetic acid; Apply at proper concentrations (typically 5-50 ppm); Monitor pH and water chemistry; Avoid over-dosing.

Pharmaceuticals/Medicine: High concentration is a corrosive drug; Low concentration is astringent; Has disinfecting and deodorizing properties; Used in medicinal production; Follow pharmaceutical regulations.

Metallurgy: Used to produce aluminum alloy; Light metal deacidification; Treatment of metal surface oxide layer; Use appropriate metallurgical protocols.

Handling: Use in well-ventilated areas (preferably with local exhaust ventilation); Avoid dust formation; Use corrosion-resistant equipment (glass, plastic, stainless steel); Use protective gloves (nitrile, neoprene, butyl), chemical splash goggles, protective clothing (acid-resistant), NIOSH-approved N95 or higher dust mask.

Personal Protective Equipment: Chemical-resistant gloves (nitrile, neoprene, butyl, PVC), chemical splash goggles (face shield recommended), acid-resistant protective clothing (full-length), NIOSH-approved N95 or higher respiratory protection, safety shower and eyewash station nearby.

Hygiene: Wash hands thoroughly after handling; Do not eat, drink, or smoke while using; Remove contaminated clothing and wash before reuse; Shower after handling.

Storage: Store in tightly closed, moisture-proof, corrosion-resistant containers (HDPE, glass, lined steel drums); Store in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area; Warehouse ventilation and low temperature drying; Keep away from bases, oxidizing agents, and moisture; Store separately from acid, alkali, and colored substances; Prevent rain, moisture, and sun exposure; Use dry, inert atmosphere if possible (nitrogen blanketing); Store on non-corrosive shelving (wood, plastic).

Spill Management: Evacuate area; Wear full protective equipment; Ventilate area; Do not create dust; Sweep or vacuum (HEPA) and place in suitable sealed container; Neutralize with sodium carbonate or lime (if safe); Do not allow entry into drains or waterways (environmental hazard).

Disposal: Dispose of in accordance with local, regional, and national regulations; Zinc chloride waste is considered hazardous (corrosive); Consider neutralization and recovery; Do not discharge to sewers without neutralization; This material and its container must be disposed of as hazardous waste (S60).

SPECIAL NOTE ON LEWIS ACID CATALYSIS:

Zinc chloride is widely used as a Lewis acid catalyst in organic chemistry:

• Function: Acts as an electron pair acceptor; Forms complexes with reactants; Catalyzes Friedel-Crafts acylation, alkylation, and other reactions.

• Mechanism: Zinc ion coordinates with electron-rich functional groups (carbonyl, halogen); Increases electrophilicity of substrates; Accelerates reaction rates.

• Applications: Production of vanillin, eargrass aldehyde, anti-inflammatory and analgesic drugs, cation exchange resins; Dehydration and condensation reactions; Polymerization reactions.

• Advantages: Relatively inexpensive, easily available, less corrosive than aluminum chloride (AlCl₃), works well in many reactions.

• Disadvantages: Hygroscopic – requires dry conditions; Less active than some alternative Lewis acids.

SPECIAL NOTE ON SOLDERING FLUX APPLICATION:

Zinc chloride is a highly effective flux for soldering and brazing:

• Function: Cleans metal surfaces by dissolving oxides (especially copper, brass, and steel oxides); Prevents re-oxidation during soldering; Provides excellent wetting of solder.

• Mechanism: Zinc chloride reacts with metal oxides to form soluble chlorides; Zinc chloride hydrolyzes to produce small amounts of HCl at soldering temperature; HCl dissolves surface oxides.

• Application: Apply 10-30% ZnCl₂ solution to joint before soldering; For heavy oxidation, use more concentrated solution; Excess flux must be removed after soldering (rinsing with water or alcohol).

• Advantages: Excellent oxide removal; Works on many metals; Low cost.

• Disadvantages: Corrosive residue must be removed; May leave zinc chloride residue (hygroscopic); Not suitable for electronics where corrosion is critical (use rosin-based flux instead).

SPECIAL NOTE ON WOOD PRESERVATION:

Zinc chloride is used in wood preservation:

• Function: Protects wood against decay fungi, termites, and wood-boring insects; Makes wood anticorrosive and flame retardant; Also used as flame retardant for cardboard and cloth products.

• Mechanism: Zinc chloride penetrates wood cells; Zinc ions are toxic to wood-destroying organisms; Prevents fungal growth and insect attack.

• Applications: Impregnation of wood; Used in production of tampon barrels, shuttles, and other materials.

• Advantages: Effective against fungi and insects; Water-soluble; Easy to apply by pressure impregnation; Provides flame retardant properties.

• Disadvantages: Leachable if not fixed; May corrode metals in contact; Environmental concerns regarding heavy metal release.

• Regulations: Wood preservatives containing zinc chloride are regulated under EPA/EC pesticide regulations.

LEGAL DISCLAIMER:
The information provided in this document is based on our current knowledge and experience and is presented in good faith. However, as all conditions of use are beyond our control, it does not constitute a binding specification or warranty. This Technical Data Sheet is for informational purposes only. Users are responsible for testing the suitability for their own applications. For complete safety, storage, use, handling, waste, and regulatory compliance information, please refer to the official Safety Data Sheet (SDS/MSDS) provided by the manufacturer/supplier.