Zinc sulfate heptahydrate
[CAS# 7446-20-0]

Identification

• Classification: Inorganic chemical industry >> Inorganic salt >> Metal sulfides and sulfates
• Name: Zinc sulfate heptahydrate
• Molecular Formula: ZnSO₄.7(H₂O)
• Molecular Weight: 287.55
• CAS Registry Number: 7446-20-0
• EC Number: 616-097-3
• SMILES: O.O.O.O.O.O.O.[O-]S(=O)(=O)[O-].[Zn+2]

Properties

• Density: 1.957
• Melting point: 100 °C
• Water solubility: 960 g/L

Safety Data

• Hazard Symbols: GHS05;GHS07;GHS09 Danger
• Risk Statements: H302-H315-H318-H319-H335-H400-H411
• Safety Statements: P261-P264-P264+P265-P270-P271-P273-P280-P301+P317-P302+P352-P304+P340-P305+P351+P338-P305+P354+P338-P317-P319-P321-P330-P332+P317-P337+P317-P362+P364-P391-P403+P233-P405-

Hazard Classification

Hazard	Class	Category Code	Hazard Statement
Serious eye damage	Eye Dam.	1	H318
Chronic hazardous to the aquatic environment	Aquatic Chronic	1	H410
Acute toxicity	Acute Tox.	4	H302
Acute hazardous to the aquatic environment	Aquatic Acute	1	H400
Eye irritation	Eye Irrit.	2	H319
Skin irritation	Skin Irrit.	2	H315
Specific target organ toxicity - single exposure	STOT SE	3	H335

• Transport Information: UN 1759; UN 3077

Discovery and Applications

Zinc sulfate heptahydrate has a long history, and zinc sulfate itself was used in alchemy and early chemistry. Zinc sulfate heptahydrate is produced by treating zinc ore with sulfuric acid. As science and technology advance, the heptahydrate form has been clearly identified and characterized, with each zinc sulfate unit containing seven water molecules, appearing as colorless crystals or white powder, and is highly soluble in water.

Zinc is essential for many physiological functions, including immune response, enzyme activity, and wound healing. Zinc sulfate heptahydrate is widely used in dietary supplements to treat zinc deficiency, which can lead to growth retardation, impaired immunity, and skin diseases. The high solubility of zinc sulfate heptahydrate makes it suitable for inclusion in oral tablets, capsules, and syrups.

In dermatology, zinc sulfate heptahydrate is used in a variety of topical preparations to treat acne, eczema, and other skin diseases. It acts as an astringent and antiseptic, helping to reduce inflammation and promote healing of skin lesions. Zinc sulfate heptahydrate is included in certain ophthalmic solutions to relieve irritation and inflammation of the eyes. Its anti-inflammatory properties help relieve conditions such as conjunctivitis and reduce redness and discomfort.

Zinc sulfate heptahydrate is used as a micronutrient supplement in fertilizers to provide plants with essential zinc, which is essential for growth, development and chlorophyll production. Zinc deficiency in soils can lead to stunted crop growth and reduced yields. By adding zinc sulfate heptahydrate, soil fertility can be increased, improving crop quality and productivity. In animal husbandry, zinc sulfate heptahydrate is added to feed to ensure adequate zinc intake, thereby supporting immune function, growth and reproductive health of livestock. It plays an important role in enzyme function and protein synthesis in animals, contributing to overall health and productivity.

Zinc sulfate heptahydrate is used in water treatment processes to control the growth of algae and bacteria. It acts as a coagulant to remove impurities from water, which is essential for safe consumer and industrial applications. In the electroplating industry, zinc sulfate heptahydrate is used to deposit a protective layer of zinc on metal surfaces to prevent corrosion and increase durability. This is particularly important for manufacturing components exposed to harsh environments. Zinc sulfate heptahydrate is a starting material for the synthesis of other zinc compounds. Its reactivity and solubility make it extremely valuable in various chemical processes such as the production of zinc-based pigments and catalysts.

References

2024. Separation of Magnesium by Fluorination from Zinc Sulfate Solution Through Surface Charge Control. Mining, Metallurgy & Exploration, 41(6).
DOI: 10.1007/s42461-024-01143-7

2024. Synergistic incorporation of calcium and zinc fertilizers in superabsorbent polymers. Polymer Bulletin, 81(15).
DOI: 10.1007/s00289-024-05564-8

2024. Hydrothermal Synthesis of Zinc Silicate Nanomaterials for Organic Dyes Removal from Aqueous Solutions. Silicon, 16(14).
DOI: 10.1007/s12633-024-03135-0