Zinc Nitrate (Zn(NO3)2) is a white, crystalline salt and is also known as Zinc Dinitrate or Celloxan. The compound is generally encountered in a hexahydrate form called zinc nitrate hexahydrate(Zn(NO3)2•6H2O).
It is a highly deliquescent compound which is highly soluble in both water and alcohol.
Index
Structure and Formula
Zinc nitrate’s formula is Zn(NO3)2 and its structure is as follows,
Properties
Now, let’s move on to the discussion of properties of this compound which implies physical properties and chemical properties.
Physical Properties
The chemical compound has the following physical properties,
| Appearance | Colorless, deliquescent crystals |
| Odor | odorless |
| Solubility | Soluble in water, very soluble in alcohol |
| Melting point | 110℃ |
| Boiling point | ~125℃ |
Chemical Properties
It has the following chemical properties,
- Chemical formula – Zn(NO3)2
- Molar mass of Zinc Nitrate – 189.36 g/mol(anhydrous), 297.49 g/mol(hexahydrate)
- Density – 2.065 g/cm3(hexahydrate)
Production
It is usually produced by dissolving zinc in nitric acid.
Zn + 2HNO3(dil) → Zn(NO3)2 + H2
4Zn + 10HNO3(conc) → 4Zn(NO3)2 + NH4NO3 + 3H2O
Applications of Zinc Nitrate
- The chemical compound is used on a laboratory scale for the synthesis of coordination polymers.
- It can be used as a mordant in dyeing.
- It is used as a latex coagulant.
- Also used in liquid fertilizers.
- It finds applications in the manufacturing of medicines.
Hazards
- The compound can intensify fire.
- It is harmful if swallowed and causes skin irritation when contacted.
- Also causes very severe eye damage.
- It may cause respiratory irritation.
- It has highly harmful and toxic effects on aquatic life and may have long-lasting effects.
FAQs
The chemical formula for zinc nitrate is Zn(NO3)2.
The single replacement reaction will produce silver metal, Ag, and aqueous zinc nitrate, Zn(NO3)2.
Zn + AgNO3 → Ag + Zn(NO3)2
It’s a salt of a strong acid (nitric acid) and a weak base (zinc hydroxide). So, its aqueous solution should be acidic.
No, Zinc does not react with concentrated nitric acid because of the formation of an oxidation layer. This dense and hard to dissolve layer protects these meals against further reaction and corrosion. And obviously, it won’t react with dilute nitric acid as well.
More Inorganic Compounds
