Appearance: Zinc chloride occurs mainly as a white, hygroscopic crystalline solid. But it may also occur as a colorless solution if it is in solution state with water.

Molar Mass: Zinc chloride has a molar mass around 136.30 g/mol.

Density: Anhydrous zinc chloride has an approximate density of 2.91 g/cm³.

Solubility: Zinc chloride is highly soluble in water, approximately 1,000 g/L at 20 °C; it can also dissolve in alcohol and glycerin.

Melting Point: Zinc chloride's melting point is approximately 290 °C, or 554 °F.

Boiling Point: Zinc Chloride has a boiling point of approximately 732 °C or 1,350 °F

Hygroscopicity: Zinc chloride is hygroscopic, meaning that it absorbs water in the air readily and may create a solution with humidity.

Chemical Properties

Reaction with Water:

Zinc chloride is highly soluble in water and gives a colorless solution. It is sometimes exothermic in the process of dissolving, meaning that it will produce heat.

Acid-Base Reactions:

Zinc chloride is a Lewis acid and will react with bases to give zinc hydroxide:

Zinc hydroxide can further heat up to decompose and produce zinc oxide.

Reaction with Ammonia:

Zinc chloride reacting with ammonia produces zinc ammine complexes:

Thermal Decomposition:

Zinc chloride can decompose at high temperatures, especially for anhydrous but also on heating up.

It usually involves very high temperatures.

Reaction with Metals:

Zinc chloride reacts with reactive metals like magnesium or aluminum to give zinc metal along with metal chlorides.

Formation of Complexes:

Zinc chloride forms complexes with many ligands so it is quite a flexible Lewis acid. It can even form complexes with chloride ions

Hydrolysis:

Zinc chloride hydrolysis in aqueous solution with consecutive acidic solutions due to the formation of

Application

Metallurgy:

Act as a flux in soldering and brazing to make the molten metal more fluid so that oxidation is reduced.

Textile Industry:

Used in the textile industry to manufacture regenerated fibers such as rayon. Here, it acts as the chemical in the dissolution process.

Antiseptic and Disinfectant:

It is also added to many antiseptic solutions and disinfectants due to its antimicrobial nature.

Electrolyte in Batteries:

It is used as an electrolyte in zinc-carbon batteries; this enhances the working of the battery.

Wood Preservation:

It is a preservative of wood, that is, inhibits fungi and insects infestation; thereby increases its life.

Chemical Synthesis:

It serves as a reagent in organic and inorganic synthesis, various chemical reactions, and complex formations.

Water Treatment:

It is used in water treatment procedures where clarification of water occurs, and it may be applied as a coagulant in the process.

Medicines:

In some pharmaceutical formulations, it has been utilized for its antiseptic property and also as a dietary supplement for zinc deficiency.

Laboratory Reagent:

Extensively used in laboratories for performing a variety of chemical analysis and reactions.

Conclusion:

Zinc chloride is a very versatile compound applied in many practical ways in metallurgy, textiles, health care, and chemical synthesis industries. Its properties give this compound great significance in practical applications and in laboratory situations. Cautious handling and knowledge about its properties must be pursued for realizing full benefits in a safe manner.

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Zinc Chloride Formula

Formula of zinc chloride is

Zinc chloride can occur in several hydrates. The most common of these is tetrahydrate.

The use of zinc chloride has varied in metallurgy, as soldering flux, in medicines as an antiseptic and in textile manufacture.

Physical Properties