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Zinc Nitrate Zn(NO3)2 is an inorganic chemical compound typically found in the form of a hexahydrate. The chemical formula of Zinc Nitrate is Zn(NO3)2. It is a white, crystalline salt which is highly deliquescent (tendency to absorb moisture from the air). It is soluble in both alcohol and water. It is non-combustible but when combined with hydrocarbons it becomes flammable. Zinc Nitrate acts as a catalyst in other combustible compounds and accelerates combustion. It also acts as a catalyst in dyes and liquid fertilizers.
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Key Terms: Zinc Nitrate, Inorganic Compound, Zinc Dinitrate, Hexahydrate, Catalyst, Combustion, Hydrocarbons, Oxidizing Agent, Thermal Decomposition
What is Zinc Nitrate?
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Zinc Nitrate is an inorganic chemical compound with the chemical formula Zn(NO3)2. Zinc Nitrate is also referred to as Zinc dinitrate or Celloxan or Zinc Nitrate Hexahydrate.
Zinc Nitrate is a crystalline solid that appears white or colourless. It is highly deliquescent and is soluble in alcohol as well as water. Majorly, it is used as a catalyst to manufacture medicine, dyes, and various other chemicals. Though Zinc Nitrate is a non-combustible compound, it has the power to accelerate the burning of other combustible compounds. Upon heating, toxic oxides of nitrogen are liberated.
Zinc Nitrate
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| Topics Related to Periodic Table | ||
|---|---|---|
| Amphoteric Oxides | Zinc Sulfide Formula | Polymerization |
| Acids, Bases and Salts | Oxidation and Reduction | Nitrous Oxide |
Structure of Zinc Nitrate
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The structure of Zinc Nitrate is as follows:
Structure of Zinc Nitrate
Preparation of Zinc Nitrate
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Zinc nitrate is prepared by dissolving zinc in nitric acid. This reaction is different depending on the concentration, the reaction with concentrated acid also forms ammonium nitrate. The reaction will be as follows: →
Zn + 2HNO3 (diluted) → Zn(NO3)2 + H2
4 Zn + 10HNO3 (concentrated) → 4Zn(NO3)2 + NH4NO3 + 3H2O
On heating, thermal decomposition takes place and liberates zinc oxide, nitrogen dioxide and oxygen.
2Zn(NO3)2 → 2 ZnO + 4NO2 + O2
Physical Properties of Zinc Nitrate
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Here are the physical properties of Zinc Nitrate:
| Chemical Formula | Zn(NO3)2 |
|---|---|
| Structure | Crystalline, Solid or Flakes |
| Colour | Colourless or White |
| Smell | Odourless |
| Molecular Weight | 189.36 g/mol |
| Density | 2.06 g/cm3 |
| Melting Point | 110 °C |
| Boiling Point | 125 °C |
Chemical Properties of Zinc Nitrate
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The chemical properties of Zinc Nitrate are:
- Zinc Nitrate has a tendency to absorb moisture from the air and turn into a liquid.
- Zinc Nitrate is Stable but can liberate toxic fumes like nitrogen oxide and zinc oxide when heated.
- It becomes combustible when combined with hydrocarbons and acts as a catalyst for the combustion of other compounds.
Uses of Zinc Nitrate
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Zinc Nitrate Does not have a wide variety of use cases and is generally used in laboratories. These are some uses of Zinc Nitrate:
- It acts as a catalyst in the manufacturing of many chemicals, medicines, and dyes
- It is used as a strong oxidizing agent.
- It is used in liquid fertilizers.
- Zinc Nitrate is used in laboratories for the synthesis of coordination polymers.
Read More: Catalysis
Effects of Zinc Nitrate on Health
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Zinc Nitrate is very hazardous if inhaled and irritates the skin if came in contact, so it should be handled with care and proper safety measures should be followed.
- Zinc Nitrate can affect your health when inhaled.
- The contact of the same can irritate and burn the skin and eyes.
- Inhaling Zinc Nitrate can cause irritation in the nose and throat.
- Exposure to Zinc Nitrate can cause headaches, dizziness, nausea and vomiting.
- High levels of Zinc nitrate reduce the blood’s oxygen-carrying capacity, causing headache, fatigue and dizziness and blue pigmentation of skin and lips.
Read More: Condensation Polymerization
Things to Remember
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- Zinc Nitrate, also known as Zinc dinitrate or Celloxan or Zinc Nitrate Hexahydrate, is an inorganic compound. The chemical formula of Zinc Nitrate is Zn(NO3)2.
- Physically, it is a white, crystalline salt and it does not have any particular smell. It is soluble in both alcohol and water.
- The Molecular weight of Zinc Nitrate is 189.36g/mol
- It does not have wide use by itself and generally acts as a catalyst.
- It can cause skin and eye irritation as it is a strong oxidizer.
Sample Questions
Ques. Explain the preparation of Zin Nitrate. (3 Marks)
Ans. Zinc Nitrate is produced by dissolving zinc in nitric acid. The reaction between zinc and nitric acid is concentration-dependent and results in the formation of ammonium nitrate.
Zn + 2HNO3 (diluted) → Zn(NO3)2 + H2
4 Zn + 10HNO3 (concentrated) → 4Zn(NO3)2 + NH4NO3 + 3H2O
Ques. What is the colour and smell of Zinc Nitrate? Mention the melting and boiling point of Zinc Nitrate. (3 Marks)
Ans. Zinc nitrate is generally white or colourless crystalline solid in colour. The compound does not have any particular smell. The melting point of Zinc Nitrate is given as 110 °C and its boiling temperature is about 125°C.
Ques. What is the chemical formula for Zinc Nitrate? List the molecular weight of Zinc Nitrate. Mention the density of Zinc Nitrate. (3 Marks)
Ans. The chemical formula for Zinc Nitrate is Zn(NO3)2.
The molecular weight of Zinc Nitrate is 189.36 grams per mole.
The density of Zinc Nitrate is 2.06 g/cm3.
Ques. Mention use of Zinc Nitrate. (3 Marks)
Ans. The uses of Zinc Nitrate are as follows:
- It is majorly used in the synthesis of coordination polymers and is also used in dyeing as a mordant.
- It acts as a catalyst in resin production.
- Zinc Nitrate acts as a strong oxidizing agent and a latex coagulant.
- It is used in liquid fertilizers.
- It is also helpful in the manufacturing of medicines.
Ques. Explain the thermal decomposition of Zinc Nitrate. (3 Marks)
Ans. When Zinc Nitrate undergoes thermal decomposition on heating, it leads to the formation of zinc oxide, oxygen, and nitrogen dioxide. The reaction is:
2Zn(NO3)2 → 2ZnO + 4 NO2 + O2
Ques. How does Zinc Nitrate affect our health? (3 Marks)
Ans. Zinc nitrate can cause skin irritation and major respiratory diseases. if inhaled in a higher concentration can cause hypoxia as it decreases the oxygen absorption rate which can use Wheezing, coughing, and irritation in the throat followed by dizziness and headaches and if not treated can lead to serious respiratory disease.
Ques. Mention some first aid to follow in case of an accident related to Zinc Nitrate. (3 Marks)
Ans. If Zinc Nitrate came in contact with the skin or is inhaled this medical First Aid should be performed until medical care arrives.
- Eye Contact
- Immediately wash the eye with water for at least 15 -20 minutes.
- Remove contact lenses, if worn, while washing.
- Seek medical attention.
- Skin Contact
- Quickly remove contaminated clothing.
- Immediately wash contaminated skin with water.
- Seek medical attention.
- Inhalation
- Remove the person from exposure.
- Perform rescue breathing if breathing has stopped.
- Perform CPR if heart action has stopped.
- Transfer to a medical facility for further treatment.
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