Zinc Chloride is a chemical compound, composed of zinc and chlorine. It is a colourless liquid and it exhibits hygroscopic qualities, i.e., it attracts and captures the water molecule present in the environment. It is mildly corrosive towards metals. It is an ionic salt that is essential for the synthesis of protein, fats, and cholesterol. It may cause burns to the eyes, skin, and mucous membranes.
There are nine different crystalline forms of zinc chloride which are currently known. These hydrates of Zinc chloride are highly soluble in water.
Zinc Chloride Structure
A molecule of zinc chloride has an ionic bond between the zinc cation (Zn2+) and the chloride anions (Cl-).
Zinc chloride which is a colourless liquid is responsible for causing burns to the mucous membrane, eyes or skin, and also corrosive to metals. The molecular formula for zinc chloride is ZNCL2 or CL2ZN.
Zinc chloride is also known as zinc dichloride, butter of zinc, zinc(II)chloride. The molecular weight of the zinc is 136.3.
Zinc chloride is mildly corrosive to metals and causes burns to the eyes, mucous membrane and skin.
Zinc chloride is a compound that can be prepared by a direct reaction, or by evaporating the aqueous solution formed in various reactions. Zinc chloride has nine different crystalline forms that are currently known. These hydrates of zinc chloride are mainly colourless or white in colour and all of them have a high solubility rate in water. Zinc chloride attracts the water molecules in its environment and therefore it can be said that it has hygroscopic qualities.
Uses of Zinc Chloride
Zinc Chloride finds its application in different industries including pharmaceuticals, health care, paper manufacturing industry. Chemical products are also made from zinc chloride.
Organic product synthesis - Organic products are synthesized in the laboratory for the preparation of Lewis acid reaction and various other organic reactions. It can be used as a catalyst in organic processes.
Metallurgical Industry - It is used as a flux in the soldering process and cleaning agent. It is also used in the manufacturing of magnesia cement.
Chemical industry - Zinc chloride finds its application in the manufacture of various dyes, intermediate chemicals, and solvents like ethyl acetate. It is found in antiseptic mouthwash products.
Printing and Textile industry - About 64% of zinc chloride in water can be used to dissolve silk, cellulose, and starch.
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