Zinc acetate: Difference between revisions

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'''Zinc acetate''' is a chemical compound with the formula Zn(CH₃COO). It is used in various applications, including as a dietary supplement, in the treatment of the common cold, and in manufacturing processes. Zinc acetate can exist in anhydrous form or as a dihydrate.
{{Short description|Chemical compound}}
{{DISPLAYTITLE:Zinc acetate}}
 
[[File:BasicZnAcetate.png|thumb|right|Structure of basic zinc acetate]]
 
'''Zinc acetate''' is a chemical compound with the formula Zn(CH_COO)_. It is the acetate salt of [[zinc]] and is commonly used in various industrial and pharmaceutical applications. Zinc acetate appears as a white crystalline solid and is highly soluble in water.


==Chemical Properties==
==Chemical Properties==
Zinc acetate is a salt formed by the reaction of zinc oxide with acetic acid. It is a white solid that is soluble in water, ethanol, and acetone. The anhydrous form has a melting point of 237°C, while the dihydrate melts at 100°C and decomposes at 237°C.
Zinc acetate is composed of zinc cations (Zn__) and acetate anions (CH_COO_). It typically exists in a dihydrate form, Zn(CH_COO)_·2H_O, where each zinc ion is coordinated by four oxygen atoms from the acetate groups and two water molecules.


==Medical Uses==
==Synthesis==
Zinc acetate is used in medical applications primarily for its ability to release zinc ions. Zinc is an essential trace element necessary for the proper function of the immune system, wound healing, and DNA synthesis.
Zinc acetate can be synthesized by reacting [[zinc oxide]] or [[zinc carbonate]] with [[acetic acid]]. The reaction with zinc oxide can be represented as:


===Dietary Supplement===
: ZnO + 2 CH_COOH _ Zn(CH_COO)_ + H_O
As a [[dietary supplement]], zinc acetate is used to prevent or treat zinc deficiency. Zinc plays a vital role in numerous biochemical processes and is essential for normal growth and development.


===Common Cold===
==Applications==
Zinc acetate lozenges are used to reduce the duration of the [[common cold]]. Studies suggest that zinc lozenges may lessen the severity and length of cold symptoms when taken within 24 hours of the first symptoms.
Zinc acetate is used in a variety of applications:


===Wilson's Disease===
* '''Pharmaceuticals''': It is used as a dietary supplement to treat zinc deficiency and as an astringent in lozenges for treating the common cold.
Zinc acetate is also prescribed for the treatment of [[Wilson's disease]], a rare genetic disorder that causes copper accumulation in the body. Zinc acetate works by inhibiting the absorption of copper in the intestine.
* '''Industrial''': It serves as a catalyst in the production of [[polyester]] and as a dye fixative in the textile industry.
* '''Chemical Reagent''': Zinc acetate is used in laboratories as a reagent for the synthesis of other zinc compounds.


==Industrial Uses==
==Biological Role==
In industry, zinc acetate is used as a catalyst in the production of polyesters, as a dye mordant, and in wood preservation. It also serves as a source of zinc in various chemical syntheses.
Zinc is an essential trace element necessary for the function of over 300 enzymes in the human body. Zinc acetate supplements are used to provide zinc in a bioavailable form, which is crucial for immune function, DNA synthesis, and cell division.


==Safety==
==Safety and Handling==
While zinc acetate is generally considered safe when used as directed, excessive intake can lead to zinc toxicity, symptoms of which may include nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, abdominal cramps, diarrhea, and headaches. Long-term high intake of zinc can interfere with copper absorption, potentially leading to copper deficiency.
Zinc acetate should be handled with care. It can cause irritation to the skin, eyes, and respiratory tract. Proper protective equipment, such as gloves and goggles, should be used when handling this compound.


==See Also==
==Related pages==
* [[Zinc]]
* [[Zinc oxide]]
* [[Acetic acid]]
* [[Acetic acid]]
* [[Dietary supplement]]
* [[Zinc deficiency]]
* [[Wilson's Disease]]
* [[Trace elements]]


[[Category:Chemical compounds]]
[[Category:Zinc compounds]]
[[Category:Dietary supplements]]
[[Category:Acetates]]
[[Category:Medicinal chemistry]]
[[Category:Pharmaceuticals]]
{{Chem-stub}}
{{medicine-stub}}

Latest revision as of 10:56, 15 February 2025

Chemical compound



Structure of basic zinc acetate

Zinc acetate is a chemical compound with the formula Zn(CH_COO)_. It is the acetate salt of zinc and is commonly used in various industrial and pharmaceutical applications. Zinc acetate appears as a white crystalline solid and is highly soluble in water.

Chemical Properties[edit]

Zinc acetate is composed of zinc cations (Zn__) and acetate anions (CH_COO_). It typically exists in a dihydrate form, Zn(CH_COO)_·2H_O, where each zinc ion is coordinated by four oxygen atoms from the acetate groups and two water molecules.

Synthesis[edit]

Zinc acetate can be synthesized by reacting zinc oxide or zinc carbonate with acetic acid. The reaction with zinc oxide can be represented as:

ZnO + 2 CH_COOH _ Zn(CH_COO)_ + H_O

Applications[edit]

Zinc acetate is used in a variety of applications:

  • Pharmaceuticals: It is used as a dietary supplement to treat zinc deficiency and as an astringent in lozenges for treating the common cold.
  • Industrial: It serves as a catalyst in the production of polyester and as a dye fixative in the textile industry.
  • Chemical Reagent: Zinc acetate is used in laboratories as a reagent for the synthesis of other zinc compounds.

Biological Role[edit]

Zinc is an essential trace element necessary for the function of over 300 enzymes in the human body. Zinc acetate supplements are used to provide zinc in a bioavailable form, which is crucial for immune function, DNA synthesis, and cell division.

Safety and Handling[edit]

Zinc acetate should be handled with care. It can cause irritation to the skin, eyes, and respiratory tract. Proper protective equipment, such as gloves and goggles, should be used when handling this compound.

Related pages[edit]