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Zinc sulfate

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Identification
Molecular formula
ZnSO4
CAS number
7733-02-0
IUPAC name
zinc sulfate
State
State
At room temperature, zinc sulfate exists as a crystalline solid. It is commonly available in the form of heptahydrate (ZnSO4·7H2O) which appears as colorless crystals.
Melting point (Celsius)
680.00
Melting point (Kelvin)
953.00
Boiling point (Celsius)
740.00
Boiling point (Kelvin)
1 013.00
General information
Molecular weight
161.47g/mol
Molar mass
161.4710g/mol
Density
3.5400g/cm3
Appearence

Zinc sulfate appears as a colorless crystalline solid or white powder. It is highly soluble in water, giving it a clear and colorless appearance when dissolved.

Comment on solubility

Solubility of Zinc Sulfate

Zinc sulfate, with the chemical formula ZnSO4, is a highly soluble compound in water, making it particularly useful in various applications.

Key points about its solubility include:

  • Water Solubility: Zinc sulfate dissolves readily in water, and its solubility increases with temperature. At 20°C, approximately 32 grams of ZnSO4 can dissolve in 100 mL of water.
  • Solvent Interaction: The dissolution process involves hydration of the zinc ions and sulfate ions, which stabilizes them in solution.
  • Effect of pH: The solubility of zinc sulfate can be affected by the acidity or alkalinity of the solution; it tends to be more soluble in slightly acidic conditions.

As with many ionic compounds, the presence of other ions in the solution can influence solubility due to common ion effects. Thus, while zinc sulfate is generally soluble, care should be taken in its use in complex mixtures.

In conclusion, soluble and readily available, zinc sulfate serves as an important component in fields such as agriculture, pharmaceuticals, and industrial processes. Its utility is undoubtedly enhanced by its favorable solubility profile.

Interesting facts

Interesting Facts about Zinc Sulfate

Zinc sulfate is a chemical compound with diverse applications in various fields, making it a fascinating subject of study. Here are some intriguing aspects regarding this compound:

  • Essential Nutrient: Zinc sulfate plays a critical role in human health, serving as a dietary supplement. Zinc is vital for numerous biological functions including:
    • Immune system support
    • Wound healing
    • Protein synthesis
    • DNA synthesis
  • Industrial Uses: This compound is widely utilized in various industries. It can be found in:
    • Fertilizers, enhancing soil quality and promoting plant growth
    • Animal feed, improving the health of livestock and pets
    • Textile manufacturing, as a mordant in dyeing processes
    • Electroplating, providing corrosion resistance to metals
  • Antimicrobial Agent: Zinc sulfate possesses antimicrobial properties, which makes it effective in:
    • Agriculture, protecting crops from various pathogens
    • Medicine, serving as a treatment for certain skin disorders and eye infections
  • Historical Significance: The use of zinc compounds dates back to ancient times, with zinc being utilized for medicinal purposes as early as the 1600s. Zinc sulfate itself has been employed in medicine since the 20th century.
  • Environmental Relevance: Zinc sulfate is less toxic compared to other zinc compounds, making it suitable for various environmental applications, including:
    • Water treatment processes
    • Reducing nutrient pollution in aquatic ecosystems
  • Fun Fact: In a laboratory setting, zinc sulfate can be used in the preparation of Zinc Oxide, a compound essential in numerous applications ranging from cosmetics to pharmaceuticals.

The significance of zinc sulfate in both health and industry underlines its versatility and importance in daily life, showcasing how a single compound can impact multiple domains.

Synonyms
Zinc dithionite
ZINC HYDROSULFITE
UNII-J5XTW55OEM
Dithionous acid, zinc salt (1:1)
HSDB 1055
ZINC HYDROSULPHITE
EINECS 231-942-2
ZINC HYDROSULFITE [HSDB]
DTXSID00894224
Zincate(4-), tetrakis(monothiosulfato(2-))di-
Zink dithionit
Zinc hyposulphite
Ditionito de cinc
Dithionite de zinc
Zink dithionit (German)
ZnS2O4
Dithionite de zinc (French)
Ditionito de cinc (Spanish)
zinc(2+) ion sulfinatosulfinate
ZINC DITHIONITE (ZNS2O4)
DTXCID801324269
Tetrakis(monothiosulfato(2-))dizincate(4-)
ZINCATE(4), TETRAKIS(MONOTHIOSULFATO(2))DI
231-942-2
tetrakis(monothiosulfato(2-))di-zincate(4-)
zinc hyposulfite
7779-86-4
J5XTW55OEM
Zinkdithionit
UN1931
PENRVBJTRIYHOA-UHFFFAOYSA-L
Zinc dithionite or zinc hydrosulfite
Q204717
Zinc dithionite or zinc hydrosulfite [UN1931] [Class 9]