Zinc acetate dihydrate
[CAS# 5970-45-6]

Identification

• Classification: Organic raw materials >> Organometallic compound >> Organic zinc
• Name: Zinc acetate dihydrate
• Molecular Formula: C₄H₆O₄Zn.2(H₂O)
• Molecular Weight: 219.51
• CAS Registry Number: 5970-45-6
• EC Number: 611-865-4
• SMILES: CC(=O)[O-].CC(=O)[O-].O.O.[Zn+2]

Properties

• Density: 1.84
• Melting point: 237 °C
• Water solubility: 430 g/L (20 °C)

Safety Data

• Hazard Symbols: GHS05;GHS07;GHS09 Danger
• Risk Statements: H302-H315-H318-H319-H400-H410-H411
• Safety Statements: P264-P264+P265-P270-P273-P280-P301+P317-P302+P352-P305+P351+P338-P305+P354+P338-P317-P321-P330-P332+P317-P337+P317-P362+P364-P391-P501

Hazard Classification

Hazard	Class	Category Code	Hazard Statement
Acute toxicity	Acute Tox.	4	H302
Chronic hazardous to the aquatic environment	Aquatic Chronic	1	H410
Acute hazardous to the aquatic environment	Aquatic Acute	1	H400
Serious eye damage	Eye Dam.	1	H318
Chronic hazardous to the aquatic environment	Aquatic Chronic	2	H411
Eye irritation	Eye Irrit.	2	H319
Skin irritation	Skin Irrit.	2	H315

• Transport Information: UN 9153; UN 3077

Discovery and Applications

Zinc acetate dihydrate is an inorganic compound with the formula Zn(C2H3O2)2·2H2O. This compound appears as colorless crystals or a white powder and is notable for its versatility in various industrial, pharmaceutical, and biochemical applications. The discovery of zinc acetate can be traced back to the early chemical studies of zinc salts, which have been known since the 18th century. It was first synthesized by heating zinc oxide with acetic acid, a reaction that continues to be employed in laboratories today.

One of the primary applications of zinc acetate dihydrate is in the field of medicine. It is used as a dietary supplement to provide essential zinc, which is crucial for numerous biological functions, including immune system support, wound healing, and protein synthesis. Zinc deficiency is a common issue that can lead to various health problems, making zinc supplementation important in certain populations, including the elderly and those with malabsorption syndromes. Zinc acetate, in particular, is favored in pharmaceutical formulations due to its relatively high bioavailability compared to other zinc salts.

In addition to its medical uses, zinc acetate dihydrate plays a significant role in the textile and leather industries. It is utilized as a mordant in dyeing processes, which helps to fix dyes to fabrics and improve color retention. This property is essential for producing vibrant, long-lasting colors in textiles. Moreover, zinc acetate serves as a catalyst in the production of certain polymers, including polyesters and polyurethanes, which are widely used in manufacturing various consumer products.

Another important application of zinc acetate dihydrate is in the field of agriculture. It is used as a micronutrient fertilizer to enhance plant growth and development. Zinc is an essential trace element for plants, and its deficiency can lead to stunted growth and reduced crop yields. By applying zinc acetate as a foliar spray or soil amendment, farmers can improve zinc availability to crops, thereby promoting healthier and more productive plants.

Zinc acetate dihydrate also finds utility in analytical chemistry. It is used in various assays and experiments as a reagent or standard. Its relatively simple chemical structure allows for straightforward analysis, making it a valuable compound in laboratory settings.

In summary, zinc acetate dihydrate is a versatile compound with a wide range of applications across multiple fields, including medicine, agriculture, textiles, and analytical chemistry. Its discovery has paved the way for its use as an essential nutrient in human health and agriculture, as well as a key component in various industrial processes. As research continues to uncover new potential applications and benefits of zinc acetate, its importance in both scientific and practical domains is likely to grow.

References

2024. Comparative effects of three mucoadhesive gels containing lidocaine, zinc acetate, and tannic acid on the gag reflex of dental patients: a randomized double-blind clinical trial. BMC Oral Health, 24(1).
DOI: 10.1186/s12903-024-05248-9

2023. Preparation of robust, water-resistant, antibacterial, and antioxidant chitosan-based films by incorporation of cinnamaldehyde-tannin acid-zinc acetate nanoparticles. Food Chemistry, 419.
DOI: 10.1016/j.foodchem.2023.136004

2022. Antitumor Effect of Zinc Acetate in Hepatocellular Carcinoma Cell Lines via the Induction of Apoptosis. Journal of Nutritional Science and Vitaminology, 68(4).
DOI: 10.3177/jnsv.68.303