Physical Properties
The hexahydrate, Zn(NO3)2•6H2O, is a colorless and odorless crystalline solid; tetragonal structure; density 2.065 g/cm3 at 15°C; melts at 36.4°C; loses all its water of crystallization between 105 to 131°C; very soluble in water, about 184 g/100mL water at 20°C; the aqueous solution acidic, the pH of a 5% solution is about 5.1; also very soluble in alcohol.
The trihydrate, Zn(NO3)2•3H2O consists of colorless needles; melts at 45.5°C; very soluble in water, 327 g/100mL at 40°C.
Uses
The compound is used as a mordant in dyeing and as a latex coagulant. It also is used as an acid catalyst and as an analytical standard for zinc.
Preparation
Zinc nitrate is prepared by reacting zinc metal, zinc oxide or zinc hydroxide with nitric acid followed by crystallization. The salt is obtained as hexahydrate:
Zn + 2HNO3 → Zn(NO3)2 + H2
ZnO + 2HNO3 → Zn(NO3)2 + H2O
Zn(OH)2 + 2HNO3 → Zn(NO3)2 + 2H2O
The salt also is sold commercially in the form of fused pieces and technical flakes containing about 20% and 25.6% water, respectively.
Physical properties
The hexahydrate, Zn(NO
3)
2?6H
2O, is a colorless and odorless crystalline solid; tetragonal structure; density 2.065 g/cm3 at 15°C; melts at 36.4°C; loses all its water of crystallization between 105 to 131°C; very soluble in water, about 184 g/100mL water at 20°C; the aqueous solution acidic, the pH of a 5% solution is about 5.1; also very soluble in alcohol
The trihydrate, Zn(NO
3)
2?3H
2O consists of colorless needles; melts at 45.5°C; very soluble in water, 327 g/100mL at 40°C.
General Description
Zinc nitrate is a colorless crystalline solid. Noncombustible, but accelerates the burning of combustible materials. If large quantities are involved in a fire or the combustible material is finely divided, an explosion may result. Prolonged exposure to fire or heat may result in an explosion. Toxic oxides of nitrogen are produced in fires involving Zinc nitrate . Zinc nitrate is used as a catalyst in the manufacture of other chemicals, in medicine, and in dyes.
Air & Water Reactions
Water soluble.
Reactivity Profile
Zinc nitrate is an oxidizing agent. Reacts violently with combustible and reducing materials. [Handling Chemicals Safely 1980. p. 967]; mixtures of Zinc nitrate s with alkyl esters may explode owing to the formation of alkyl nitrates; mixtures with phosphorus, tin (II) chloride, or other reducing agents may react explosively [Bretherick 1979. p. 108-109].
Health Hazard
Inhalation of dust may irritate nose and throat. Ingestion can cause irritation or corrosion of the alimentary tract. Contact with eyes causes irritation, which may be delayed. Contact with skin causes irritation.
Flammability and Explosibility
Not classified
Safety Profile
A powerful oxidizer.
Can react violently with C, Cu, metal
sulfides, organic matter, P, S. When heated
to decomposition it emits toxic fumes of
NOx and ZnO. See also NITRATES and
ZINC COMPOUNDS.
