Zinc Nitrate, Zinc Dinitrate, 7779-88-6

Zinc Nitrate, Zinc Dinitrate, 7779-88-6

Zinc Nitrate

Molecular Formula: Zn(NO₃)₂
Molecular Weight: 189.4 g/mol (Anhydrous)
Chemical Name: Zinc Nitrate
CAS Number: 7779-88-6

General Information and Description

Zinc Nitrate is an inorganic compound commercially available most commonly in its Hexahydrate form (Zn(NO₃)₂ • 6H₂O). It functions as an oxidizing agent and is a hygroscopic (moisture-absorbing) chemical, making it sensitive to humidity. It has an accelerating effect on the combustion of flammable materials.

Other Names (Synonyms)

• Nitric Acid, Zinc Salt

• Zinc Dinitrate

• 7779-88-6

• Zinc Plasma Solution (for analytical purposes)

• Zinc Standard Solution

Production Method

Zinc Nitrate is produced by reacting zinc-containing compounds with Nitric Acid (HNO₃). The main production reactions are as follows:

1. Production using Zinc Metal:
   The reaction of pure zinc metal with Nitric Acid yields Zinc Nitrate and Hydrogen gas.

   • Reaction: Zn + 2HNO₃ → Zn(NO₃)₂ + H₂↑

2. Production using Zinc Oxide:
   The reaction of Zinc Oxide (ZnO) with Nitric Acid produces Zinc Nitrate and Water.

   • Reaction: ZnO + 2HNO₃ → Zn(NO₃)₂ + H₂O

3. Production using Zinc Hydroxide:
   The reaction of Zinc Hydroxide [Zn(OH)₂] with Nitric Acid yields Zinc Nitrate and 2 molecules of Water.

   • Reaction: Zn(OH)₂ + 2HNO₃ → Zn(NO₃)₂ + 2H₂O

Physical and Chemical Properties

• Physical Appearance: Colorless, odorless, crystalline solid.

• Melting Point: 36 °C (The hexahydrate form melts in its own water of crystallization at this temperature).

• Density: Approximately 2.065 g/cm³ at 25 °C.

• Solubility:

  • Water: Highly soluble. Approximately 93 grams of the hexahydrate form dissolve in 100 grams of water.

  • Alcohol: Also readily soluble in ethyl alcohol.

• Thermal Decomposition: When heated, it emits toxic fumes. These fumes consist of Nitrogen Oxides (NOx) and Zinc Oxide (ZnO) vapors.

Applications and Uses

Zinc Nitrate is a versatile chemical used across a wide range of industries:

1. Agriculture Sector:

• Used as a primary zinc source in liquid fertilizer formulations. Zinc is an essential micronutrient for plants.

2. Chemical and Textile Industry:

• Mordanting: Used as a mordant (color fixative) in dyeing processes to fix colors.

• Catalyst: Acts as a catalyst in the synthesis of paints, resins, and polymers.

• Fiber Processing: In the textile industry, it is used as a cross-linking agent during fiber production to increase the acid resistance of fibers (this property is often compared with Magnesium Chloride).

• Latex Processing: Used in the coagulation of latex.

3. Metal Plating (Galvanic) and Surface Treatment:

• Galvanic Plating: A component of electrolyte solutions used in coating metal surfaces with zinc.

• Dyeing Acetate Fibers: Creates a swelling effect on acetate fibers, allowing dyes to penetrate the fibers more homogeneously. This results in better efficiency, especially with basic dyes.

4. Analytical Chemistry and Research:

• Used as an analytical reagent in laboratories (e.g., in calibration solutions marketed as Zinc Plasma or Standard Solution).

• Acts as a starting material in the synthesis of various chemical compounds.

5. Other Industrial Applications:

• Corrosion Inhibitors: Used in the formulation of anti-corrosion products to provide a protective effect, preventing the degradation of the inhibitors themselves.

• Zinc Acetate Production: Serves as a zinc source in the synthesis of Zinc Acetate, often used together with Acetic Anhydride.

Safety and Handling

• Classification: Oxidizing, irritant.

• Hazards:

  • May intensify fire (oxidizer).

  • Causes skin, eye, and respiratory tract irritation.

  • Harmful if swallowed.

  • Toxic to aquatic life.

• Precautions:

  • Keep away from heat, sparks, and combustible materials.

  • Avoid breathing dust; use in a well-ventilated area.

  • Wear protective gloves, goggles, and appropriate protective clothing during handling.

  • Wash hands thoroughly after handling.

  • Avoid release to the environment.