Chemical Properties
Zinc acetate dihydrate Zn(C2H3O2)•2H2O is a Colourless or white efflorescent crystals; faint acetic acid odor; astringent taste; monoclinic crystals; density 1.735 g/cm3; loses water at 100°C; decomposes at 237°C; readily dissolves in water, 43g/100 mL at 20°C; soluble in alcohol.
Chemical Properties
Zinc acetate occurs as white crystalline, lustrous plates with a faint
acetic odor and an astringent taste.
Production Methods
Zinc acetate is synthesized by reacting zinc oxide with glacial acetic
acid, with subsequent crystallization, separation by centrifugation,
and drying and milling of the crystals. No organic solvents are used
during the synthesis.
General Description
Structure of zinc acetate dehydrate is monoclinic with unit cell dimensions a=14.50, b=5.32 and c=11.02?.
Pharmaceutical Applications
Zinc acetate has been used as an excipient in a variety of
pharmaceutical formulations including topical gels, lotions, and
solutions, and subcutaneous injections. It has also been investigated
for use in an oral controlled-release formulation for water-soluble
drugs in combination with sodium alginate and xanthan gum.
Therapeutically, zinc acetate has been used in oral capsules for
the treatment of Wilson’s disease. Zinc acetate has also been
demonstrated to be effective as a spermicide in vaginal contraceptives.
Safety
Zinc acetate is used in topical pharmaceutical formulations and
subcutaneous injections, where it is generally regarded as relatively
nontoxic and nonirritant when used as an excipient. However, zinc
acetate is poisonous by intravenous and intraperitoneal routes; it is
also moderately toxic following oral consumption.
LD50 (mouse, IP): 0.108 g/kg
LD50 (mouse, oral): 0.287 g/kg
LD50 (rat, IP): 0.162 g/kg
LD50 (rat, oral): 0.794 g/kg
storage
Zinc acetate loses water of hydration above 100℃. Zinc acetate
should be stored in an airtight container in a cool, dry, place.
Purification Methods
It crystallises (in poor yield) from hot water or, better, from EtOH. [Beilstein 2 III 193, 2 IV 114.]
Incompatibilities
Zinc acetate is incompatible with oxidizing agents, zinc salts, alkalis
and their carbonates, oxalates, phosphates, and sulfides.
Regulatory Status
Included in the FDA Inactive Ingredients Database (SC injections;
topical lotions and solutions). Included in medicines licensed in the
UK.
