Sinkkivetyset

Sinkkivetyset is a term used in inorganic chemistry to refer to compounds in which zinc forms bonds to hydrogen. In Finnish-language sources the phrase commonly covers zinc dihydride (ZnH2) as well as more complex, polymeric zinc–hydrogen species and transient compounds observed under low-temperature, inert conditions or within coordination complexes. The zinc–hydrogen bond is typically highly reactive, and most species are not stable in air or moisture, which limits isolation of pure samples.

Zinc hydrides are studied primarily for fundamental bonding, structural, and reactivity questions within inorganic chemistry. In practice, these species are often prepared and studied as transient intermediates, in solution under inert atmosphere, or in solid matrices at cryogenic temperatures. Their structures range from simple molecular ZnH2-like units to extended polymeric networks in the solid state. They tend to be more reactive toward protic or oxidizing agents than many other main-group hydrides.

Because zinc hydrides are challenging to stabilize, their practical applications are currently limited. Research focus includes understanding Zn–H bonding, exploring synthetic routes to zinc hydride complexes, and examining potential uses as reagents or precursors in synthesis and material science, though no widely adopted industrial processes rely on ZnH2 today.

See also: zinc hydride, hydride, zinc compounds.