ZnCH3COO2

ZnCH3COO2, more commonly written as zinc acetate, is the zinc salt of acetic acid with the formula Zn(CH3COO)2. It exists in anhydrous form and as hydrates, with the dihydrate Zn(CH3COO)2·2H2O being the most common commercial form. The compound is a white to colorless hygroscopic solid that readily dissolves in water and in many organic solvents such as ethanol.

In aqueous solution, zinc acetate dissociates to give Zn2+ and acetate ions. The solutions are typically mildly acidic due to hydrolysis of Zn2+. Zinc acetate can be prepared by reacting a soluble zinc source (such as zinc oxide, zinc carbonate, or zinc hydroxide) with acetic acid: ZnO + 2 CH3COOH → Zn(CH3COO)2 + H2O (and related equations with carbonate or hydroxide). The dihydrate form crystallizes from aqueous solutions and can be dehydrated to the anhydrous salt at elevated temperatures.

Structure and properties: In solid zinc acetate, zinc(II) centers are coordinated by oxygen atoms from acetate ligands; acetate can function as a bridging ligand, giving polymeric networks. In the dihydrate, water molecules occupy coordination sites as ligands, stabilizing the structure. The compound is generally soluble in water and alcohols and is hygroscopic.

Applications: Zinc acetate serves as a zinc source in chemical synthesis, a catalyst in certain esterification and transesterification reactions, and a mordant in textile dyeing. It is also used as a dietary zinc supplement and appears in some medicinal lozenges and nasal formulations.

Safety and handling: Zinc acetate is an irritant to skin, eyes, and the respiratory tract. It should be handled with gloves and eye protection, with adequate ventilation, and stored in a cool, dry place away from incompatibles. Ingestion or inhalation in significant amounts should be avoided.