Zinc Sulfate, Zinc Sulfate Anhydrous, Zinc Vitriol, White vitriol, 7733-02-0

Zinc Sulfate, Zinc Sulfate Anhydrous, Zinc Vitriol, White vitriol, 7733-02-0

ZINC SULFATE (ZnSO₄)
PRODUCT IDENTIFICATION INFORMATION

CHEMICAL STRUCTURE

Zinc Sulfate (ZnSO₄)

O
║
Zn²⁺ — S — O⁻²
║
O

Molecular Formula: ZnSO₄
SMILES: [Zn+2].[O-]S(=O)(=O)[O-]
InChI: InChI=1S/H2O4S.Zn/c1-5(2,3)4;/h(H2,1,2,3,4);/q;+2/p-2
Structure: Ionic compound composed of zinc ion (Zn²⁺) and sulfate ion (SO₄²⁻); tetrahedral zinc coordination.

SECTION 1: CHEMICAL IDENTITY AND DESCRIPTION

SECTION 2: PHYSICAL AND CHEMICAL PROPERTIES

SECTION 3: ZINC SULFATE FORMS

SECTION 4: CHEMICAL PROPERTIES AND REACTIVITY

SECTION 5: ZINC COMPOUNDS COMPARISON

SECTION 6: PRODUCTION METHODS

Method 1: Dissolution of Zinc Metal in Sulfuric Acid

Reaction: Zn + H₂SO₄ (dilute) → ZnSO₄ + H₂↑

Description: Metallic zinc (scrap or pure) is dissolved in dilute sulfuric acid; Hydrogen gas is released; The solution is filtered, evaporated, and crystallized to obtain ZnSO₄·7H₂O (or other hydrates). Low-cost and widely used method.

Method 2: Neutralization of Zinc Oxide or Zinc Hydroxide with Acid

Reaction: ZnO + H₂SO₄ → ZnSO₄ + H₂O

Description: Zinc oxide or zinc hydroxide is neutralized with sulfuric acid; By-products from sodium stannate production or pure ZnO can be used; The solution is evaporated and crystallized. Provides high-purity product.

Method 3: Roasting and Leaching of Zinc Ore

Process: ZnS (sphalerite) → ZnO (roasting) → ZnSO₄ (sulfuric acid leaching)

Description: Zinc sulfide ore (sphalerite) is roasted in air to convert it to ZnO; ZnO is leached with sulfuric acid to obtain ZnSO₄ solution; Purification and crystallization yield the product. Used on an industrial scale.

Method 4: Recovery from Zinc Wastes

Process: Zinc-containing wastes + H₂SO₄ → ZnSO₄ solution

Description: Galvanizing wastes, zinc ash, or other zinc-containing wastes are leached with sulfuric acid; The solution is purified and crystallized. An environmentally and economically favorable method.

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: WARNING

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

Hazard Statements (H-Codes):

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:

• Harmful if swallowed (H302). Avoid ingestion. Do not eat, drink, or smoke while using.

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

• Causes skin irritation (H315). Avoid skin contact. Wear protective gloves.

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

• Anhydrous form is highly hygroscopic. Store in tightly closed, moisture-resistant containers. Hydrate forms are less sensitive.

• Acidic in nature (pH 4-6). Slightly acidic; may be corrosive to metals. Does not react with acids but neutralizes with bases.

• Incompatibilities: Strong bases (precipitates zinc hydroxide), strong oxidizing agents, magnesium/aluminum powders (at high temperatures).

• Hygiene Requirement: Wash hands thoroughly after handling. Avoid dust formation.

BEST PRACTICE RECOMMENDATIONS:

Agriculture (Micronutrient Fertilizer): Use to correct zinc deficiency through soil or foliar application; Soil application (fertilization): 5-10 kg/da (depending on zinc deficiency); Foliar application: 0.1-0.5% ZnSO₄ solution (pH 5.5-6.5); Can be mixed with NPK fertilizers; Used as raw material for chelated zinc (EDTA-Zn) production.

Animal Feed Additive: Use as an essential zinc source in animal nutrition; Feed additive dosage (varies by live weight): Poultry: 50-100 mg/kg, Swine: 100-150 mg/kg, Cattle: 100-300 mg/kg; Critical for reproduction, hoof health, immunity, and milk production; Veterinary-approved feed additive must be used.

Chemical Industry: Use as an activator in flotation processes (sphalerite flotation); Raw material for zinc compound production; Wood pulp bleaching processes; Used as a catalyst in organic synthesis.

Electroplating: Use as an electrolyte in acidic zinc plating baths; Bath composition: ZnSO₄ (200-300 g/L), pH 4.5-5.5; Current density 1-5 A/dm²; Organic additives added for bright coatings.

Water Treatment: Use as a coagulation aid; Accelerates precipitation of suspended solids; For phosphate removal (precipitation of Zn²⁺ with PO₄³⁻); Effective in pH 7-8 range; Can be used in cooling water as corrosion inhibitor.

Wood Preservation: Use chromium-zinc sulfate impregnation (CCB salts) to protect wood against termites and fungi; Prepare wood impregnation solution (pressure impregnation); Used in wood processing industry.

Handling: Use in well-ventilated areas; Avoid dust formation; Wear protective gloves, safety goggles (chemical splash protection), and appropriate respiratory protection (N95/FFP2).

Personal Protective Equipment: Protective gloves (nitrile, neoprene, butyl), chemical splash goggles, protective clothing, NIOSH-approved N95 or higher dust mask (for respirable dust), local exhaust ventilation.

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

Storage: Store in tightly closed, moisture-resistant containers (HDPE, lined drums, plastic bags) in dry conditions; Keep away from bases and oxidizing agents; Protect from moisture (critical for anhydrous form).

Spill Management: Avoid dust formation; Vacuum or wet-sweep (to prevent dust dispersion); Place in closed containers; Do not allow entry into drains or waterways (environmental hazard).

Disposal: Dispose of in accordance with local, regional, and national regulations; Zinc sulfate waste may be considered hazardous waste (environmental hazard); Recovery is possible; Do not discharge to sewers.

SPECIAL NOTE ON AGRICULTURAL APPLICATIONS:

Zinc sulfate is the most commonly used micronutrient fertilizer for correcting zinc deficiency:

• Function: Provides bioavailable zinc to plants; Essential for chlorophyll synthesis, enzyme activation, protein synthesis, and hormone production.

• Deficiency Symptoms: Chlorosis (yellowing of leaves), stunted growth, rosette leaf formation, yield loss.

• Application Methods: Soil application (granular or powder), foliar spray (aqueous solution), seed coating, fertigation (drip irrigation).

• Dosage (Soil): 5-10 kg/da (depending on zinc deficiency and soil type); More effective in acidic soils.

• Dosage (Foliar): 0.1-0.5% ZnSO₄ solution (optimum absorption at pH 5.5-6.5); May be repeated every 10-14 days.

• Advantages: Low cost, fast-acting, widely available.

• Disadvantages: Zinc fixation (binding) in alkaline soils; Chelated zinc (EDTA-Zn) is more effective in alkaline soils.

SPECIAL NOTE ON ANIMAL FEED APPLICATIONS:

Zinc sulfate is used as an essential mineral supplement in animal nutrition:

• Function: Required for growth, reproduction, immune function, hoof health, milk production, and feed conversion ratio.

• Dosage (Feed Additive): Poultry: 50-100 mg/kg, Swine: 100-150 mg/kg, Cattle: 100-300 mg/kg (varies by live weight).

• Form: Monohydrate or heptahydrate form is used (less hygroscopic).

• Lactation (Dairy Cows): Supports milk production and calf health.

• Hoof Health: Supports hoof integrity and reduces risk of foot rot.

• Advantages: Approved feed additive, high bioavailability, low cost.

SPECIAL NOTE ON WATER TREATMENT APPLICATIONS:

Zinc sulfate is used as an auxiliary chemical in water treatment processes:

• Coagulation Aid: Used with aluminum or iron salts to reduce turbidity; Accelerates precipitation of suspended solids.

• Phosphate Removal: Zn²⁺ ions form insoluble zinc phosphate (Zn₃(PO₄)₂) with phosphate ions (PO₄³⁻); Used in wastewater treatment to prevent eutrophication.

• pH Range: Effective in pH 7-8 range.

• Corrosion Inhibitor: Used in cooling water formulations to prevent corrosion.

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.