Zinc Acetate Formula – Structure, Properties, Uses, Sample Questions

Zinc is a chemical element with the symbol Zn and an atomic number of 30. Zinc is a slightly brittle metal at room temperature and, when oxidized, has a silver-grey appearance. This is the first element of Group 12 of the Periodic Table. Acetate is a compound of the formula C₂H₃O^2- also known as acetate ion or mono-acetic acid. It is a salt formed by the combination of acetic acid with alkaline, metallic, soil texture, non-metallic, or other bases. Let’s learn about zinc acetate,

Zinc Acetate Formula

Zinc acetate is a salt. Its chemical formula is Zn (CH₃COO)₂. It can also be written as zinc acetate (II). It is a zinc salt of acetic acid. Zinc acetate is usually contained in its dihydrate form, Zn (CH₃COO)₂.2H₂O. The hydrated and anhydrous forms of zinc acetate are commonly used as dietary supplements. This article covers everything about zinc acetate in detail. 

Structure of Zinc acetate 

Zinc coordinates the four oxygen atoms of acetic anhydride to form a tetrahedral environment. These tetrahedral polyhedra are then bound together by acetate ligands to form a variety of polymer structures. Zinc in zinc acetate dihydrate is octahedral and both acetate groups are bidentate.

Preparation of Zinc acetate 

•  The reaction of Zinc and acetate: When zinc reacts with acetate, zinc acetate is formed along with the release of hydrogen gas. The reaction is as follows,

Zn + CH₃COOH ⇢ Zn(CH₃COO)₂ + H₂

• The reaction of Zinc oxide and acetic acid: When zinc oxide reacts with acetic acid, zinc acetate is formed along with the release of water molecules. The reaction is as follows,

ZnO +  2CH₃COOH ⇢  Zn(CH₃COO)₂ + H₂O

Physical Properties of zinc acetate 

Name	Zinc acetate
Appearance	White Solid
Molecular weight	219.50 g/mol (dihydrate)
Density	1.735 g/cm3
Melting Point	237°C
Boiling Point	Decompose
Molecular shape	Tetrahedral
Solubility in water	43 g/100 mL
Solubility in methanol	1.5 g/100 mL

Chemical Properties of zinc acetate 

• Reaction with Bases: Zinc acetate reacts with bases such as sodium hydroxide to form zinc hydroxide and sodium acetate.  

Zn(CH₃COO)₂ + 2NaOH → 2CH₃COONa + Zn(OH)₂

• Pyrolysis of Zinc Acetate: Pyrolysis of zinc acetate under reduced pressure gives acetic anhydride and basic zinc acetate as products. The reaction is as follows,

2 Zn(CH₃COO)₂ → Zn₄O(CH₃COO)₆ + (CH₃CO)₂O   

Uses of zinc acetate 

• Zinc acetate is mainly used as a dietary supplement. 
• It is used as an aid in the treatment of colds.  
• Zinc acetate is used to treat zinc deficiency in the body.  
• Zinc acetate is used to block the body’s absorption of copper as part of the treatment of Wilson’s disease. It is given as an oral supplement. 
• It is used for topical treatment of acne in the form of lotions, ointments, or in combination with antibiotics. 
• Zinc acetate is used in industry to preserve the wood. 

Sample Problems

Question 1: Is there a link between zinc and estrogen levels?  

Solution:

Zinc has multiple effects on the endocrine system. The role of androgen hormone, estrogen,  progesterone, prostaglandin metabolism, insulin secretion, and thymic hormone regulation have all been identified.  

Question 2: What is the importance of zinc?  

Solution: 

Zinc is a nutrient found throughout the body that helps the immune system and metabolic function. Zinc is also important for wound healing and taste and smell development. Your body usually gets enough zinc from a variety of diets. Chicken, lean meat, and fortified breakfast cereals are all healthy sources of zinc.

Question 3: What is the use of zinc acetate?  

Solution:

Zinc is essential for the growth and health of body tissues and is therefore used in the treatment and prevention of zinc deficiency. Used in troches to treat colds. It is also used in many everyday laboratory applications.

Question 4: How can write the chemical formula of zinc acetate? 

Solution:

The chemical formula of zinc acetate is described using the cross method. Zinc acetate contains zinc (Zn²⁺) radicals and acetic acid (CH₃COO^–) radicals. Zinc has a valence of 2 and acetate has a valence of 1. By crossing these valence members, the chemical formula of zinc acetate becomes Zn (CH₃COO)₂.  

Question 5: Is Zinc Acetate Safe?

Solution: 

Zinc acetate is slightly irritating due to the acetic acid formed during hydrolysis. However, this is not an issue when handling the connection.   

Question 6: What are the side effects of zinc acetate? 

Solution:

Common side effects of zinc acetate drug intake are dyspnea, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, throat, etc.

Question 7: What is a zinc acetate solution? 

Solution:

Zinc Acetate Solution is a liquid solution of moderate to high concentration zinc acetate. They are an excellent source of zinc acetate for applications that require solubilized materials.