Open In App

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

Improve
Improve
Like Article
Like
Save
Share
Report

Zinc nanopowder has a wide range of applications, including rubber manufacture, respiratory systems, and cosmetics. The size of the powder has a significant impact on the material’s performance. Finally, due to the rising cosmetic, rubber, and agriculture industries, the use of zinc carbonate appears to be on the rise in the future.

What is Zinc Carbonate?

Zinc carbonate, commonly known as smithsonite, calamine, or zinc spar, is a white crystalline powder. James Smithson, a physicist, provided the inspiration for the name. It’s a zinc ore, and the formula for zinc carbonate is ZnCO3. It’s a crystalline solid, sub-micron, or nano-powder, that’s white and odourless and insoluble in water, alcohol, or acetone, but slightly soluble in ammonia. It can be dissolved in alkalis and acids.

Because it is easily converted to other zinc compounds, such as zinc oxide, zinc carbonate is a major source of zinc. Heating is used to complete the process, which results in the creation of zinc oxide and carbon dioxide. Calcination is another name for this process. Because its application areas such as cosmetics, agriculture, and rubber production are rising at a rapid rate, demand for zinc carbonate is increasing. Zinc carbonate can be synthesized in a variety of ways, depending on the use, production scale, or structure.

Preparation of Zinc Carbonate

A soluble zinc salt, such as zinc sulphate, is combined with a sodium carbonate solution. Zinc carbonate (which is insoluble and produces a white precipitate) and sodium sulphate (which is very soluble and so remains in the solution) are the end products.

ZnSO4 (aq) + Na2 CO3 (aq) → Na2SO4 (aq) + ZnCO3 (s)

Because zinc is an amphoteric element, its oxide dissolves in strong alkali solutions to form zincates;-

ZnO + H2O + 2NaOH → Na2Zn(OH)4

Zinc carbonate can also be prepared by reacting zincates with CO2

Na2Zn(OH)4 + 2 CO2 → Na2CO3 + ZnCO3 + 2 H2O

Structure of Zinc Carbonate

Zinc is octahedral in zinc carbonate, and each carbonate is bound to six zinc centers, resulting in three-coordinate oxygen atoms. Zinc carbonate has the same chemical structure as calcium carbonate. Zinc carbonate has a molar mass of approximately 125.4g/mol.

 

Physical Properties of Zinc Carbonate

  1. Zinc carbonate has a molecular weight of 125.38 g/mol.
  2. Zinc carbonate has a boiling point of 333.6 degrees Celsius.
  3. Zinc carbonate has a melting point of 1970 degrees Celsius.
  4. Zinc carbonate has a density of 3.5g/cm3.
  5. It’s a white powder with a slight vinegar scent.
  6. Because it is basic in nature, the pH level is higher than 10.
  7. It is water-insoluble.

Chemical Properties of Zinc Carbonate

  • When zinc carbonate combines with acids to generate zinc chloride, carbon dioxide gas is released.

ZnCO3 + HCl  →  ZnCl2 + CO2

ZnCO3 + H2SO4  → ZnSO4 + CO2 + H2O

  • When zinc carbonate undergoes a breakdown reaction, zinc oxide is formed, and carbon dioxide gas is released.

ZnCO3 → ZnO + CO2

  • The interaction between ZnCl2 and K2CO3 results in the hydrothermal synthesis of zinc carbonate.

ZnCl2 (aq) + K2CO3 (aq) → ZnCO3 (s) + 2KCl (aq)

Uses of Zinc Carbonate

  • It’s an inorganic salt that’s often employed in organic synthesis reactions as a catalyst.
  • It is a suitable precursor for the production of zinc oxide particles.
  • It is frequently used in the rubber industry as a raw material. Because these two materials have a somewhat similar refractive index, it is added to improve the translucency or transparency of natural rubber.
  • As a result of its antibacterial and antifungal properties. It can be found in a wide range of products including bath, make-up, personal hygiene, shaving, oral care, and skin and hair care.
  • It’s also utilized as an ingredient in animal feed additives. Zinc carbonate deficiency can limit an animal’s growth since it plays a key role in bone building.
  • Sulphur absorber zinc carbonate is also employed in the petroleum industry.
  • It is used as an astringent and absorbent in dusting irritated areas.
  • It is frequently used in medications due to its antiseptic qualities.

Sample Questions 

Question 1: What are some uses of zinc carbonate?

Answer:

It is commonly used as an anti-dilapidation barrier against iron and steel. Zinc carbonate is present in a variety of materials, paint pigments, and agricultural products. Zinc anodes, often known as batteries, are used in a variety of applications such as appliances, television monitors, and lighting.

Question 2: What is the nature of zinc carbonate?

Answer: 

Zinc carbonate, like other carbonates, dissolves easily in acidic solutions due to its basic character, but is insoluble in water. Carbon dioxide is produced as a result of the process. In an exceptionally strong base, this will also dissolve to create zincates. Zinc carbonate can be thermally destroyed to produce zinc oxide.

Question 3: Is zinc carbonate toxic?

Answer: 

When we breathe in zinc carbonate, it can have an effect on us. Irritation might occur when the product comes into contact with the skin or the eyes. Coughing and wheeze can occur when zinc carbonate irritates the nose and throat. The liver can be harmed by excessive exposure.

Question 4: What is the structure of zinc carbonate?

Solution:

Zinc is octahedral in zinc carbonate, and each carbonate is bound to six zinc centres, resulting in three-coordinate oxygen atoms. The structure of zinc carbonate is identical to that of calcium carbonate.

Question 5: Is zinc carbonate good for the skin?

Answer: 

Zinc carbonate is a common ingredient in cosmetics. However, direct contact with zinc carbonate might irritate the skin and eyes.



Last Updated : 20 Dec, 2023
Like Article
Save Article
Previous
Next
Share your thoughts in the comments
Similar Reads