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Zinc Carbonate

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Identification
Molecular formula
ZnCO3
CAS number
3486-35-9
IUPAC name
zinc;carbonate
State
State

Zinc carbonate is typically found as a solid at room temperature. It may appear as a fine powder or in a more crystalline form depending on its preparation or natural occurrence.

Melting point (Celsius)
197.00
Melting point (Kelvin)
470.00
Boiling point (Celsius)
0.00
Boiling point (Kelvin)
0.00
General information
Molecular weight
125.41g/mol
Molar mass
125.4070g/mol
Density
4.3980g/cm3
Appearence

Zinc carbonate appears as a white, crystalline solid. It is a powdery substance and often occurs in nature as the mineral smithsonite. Its appearance can vary slightly depending on the degree of hydration or whether it is in its basic form.

Comment on solubility

Solubility of Zinc Carbonate

Zinc carbonate (ZnCO3) presents some interesting properties when it comes to its solubility in various solvents. Below are key points to consider:

  • Water Solubility: Zinc carbonate is generally classified as insoluble in water. This means that when you attempt to dissolve it in water, only a very small quantity will actually dissolve.
  • Acidic Solutions: However, zinc carbonate exhibits a significant improvement in solubility when placed in acidic environments. For example, it readily dissolves in hydrochloric acid, leading to the formation of soluble zinc ions and carbon dioxide gas:
    • ZnCO3 + 2 HCl → ZnCl2 + CO2 + H2O
  • Solubility Product Constant (Ksp): The Ksp values indicate a low solubility, emphasizing the limited extent to which ZnCO3 can dissociate in water.
  • Temperature Dependency: The solubility of zinc carbonate can change with temperature, often increasing at higher temperatures.

In summary, while zinc carbonate is largely insoluble in neutral and alkaline conditions, its solubility dramatically increases in the presence of acid, revealing its reactive nature and potential applications in various chemical processes. Understanding its solubility can be crucial for its practical applications in sectors like agriculture and materials science.

Interesting facts

Interesting Facts About Zinc Carbonate

Zinc carbonate is a fascinating chemical compound that captures the attention of both scientists and enthusiasts alike. Often represented as ZnCO3, it serves various roles across different fields. Here are some intriguing aspects of zinc carbonate:

  • Natural Occurrence: Zinc carbonate is a naturally occurring mineral known as smithsonite. It is primarily found in oxidized zinc deposits and is a significant ore of zinc.
  • Industrial Applications: This compound finds extensive use in industries as a pigment in paints and in the production of zinc oxide, a widely used compound in rubber and cosmetics.
  • Biological Significance: Zinc is an essential trace element in human health, playing a crucial role in immune function, protein synthesis, and wound healing. Zinc carbonate supplements can help in addressing zinc deficiency.
  • Environmental Impact: Zinc carbonate has implications for environmental science, particularly in the remediation of zinc-contaminated environments. Its ability to immobilize zinc makes it useful in pollution control.
  • Historical Context: The history of zinc carbonate dates back several decades. Smithsonite, the mineral form, was first described in the 19th century, shedding light on the mineral's importance in geology and mineralogy.

In summary, zinc carbonate is not just a simple compound, but a multifaceted entity with applications ranging from industrial uses to health benefits. Its natural presence and role in the ecosystem highlight its significance, making it an essential subject of study in chemistry and related fields.

Synonyms
ZINC CARBONATE
3486-35-9
Zinc monocarbonate
K8290PTQ4F
DTXSID5049817
ZINC CARBONATE (ZNCO3)
DTXCID9029776
222-477-6
226-076-7
calamina
luganshi
zinc carbonate (ii)
zinc carbonate (mart.)
zinc carbonate (usp monograph)
zinc carbonate hydroxide (zn5(oh)6(co3)2)
zincum carbonicum
zinc;carbonate
Carbonic acid, zinc salt (1:1)
Zinc carbonate (1:1)
CI 77950
Zinc Oxide Transparent
C.I. 77950
Zincspar
Natural smithsonite
Zinccarbonate
HSDB 1048
EINECS 222-477-6
UNII-K8290PTQ4F
zinc carbonic acid
carbonic acid zinc salt
>/=57% ZnO basis
ZINC CARBONATE [MI]
SCHEMBL20746
ZINC MONOCARBONATE [HSDB]
CHEBI:184449
ZINC(+2) CATION CARBONATE
MFCD00041957
10476-83-2
FZ146329
NS00075664
Q204661