Zn2Zn

Zn2Zn is not a standard or recognized chemical term. In conventional stoichiometry, a formula consisting solely of zinc atoms would be written to reflect a single element, such as Zn or a simple multiple like Zn3. The notation Zn2Zn, if encountered, does not denote a distinct compound or crystal phase and is typically interpreted as a redundant or artifact-like representation that reduces to Zn3 when simplified. Since all atoms are zinc, Zn2Zn does not describe a unique intermetallic structure or a separate chemical species.

In practice, there are no known compounds or alloys with the exact composition Zn2Zn that are treated as separate from elemental zinc. Zinc forms a variety of alloys and coatings with other elements (for example, brass is copper-zinc, and zinc is used as a protective coating in galvanized steel), but such materials are not represented by the formula Zn2Zn. If Zn2Zn appears in a document, it is usually prudent to consider it a notational quirk or a shorthand error rather than a meaningful chemical designation, and to interpret the substance as elemental zinc or as Zn3 if a unit containing three zinc atoms is intended.

See also: Zinc; Stoichiometry; Intermetallics; Alloys.