Compounds:Zinc

Zinc, in commerce also spelter, is a metallic chemical element; it has the symbol Zn and atomic number 30. It is the first element of group 12 of the periodic table. Zinc is, in some respects, chemically similar to magnesium, because its ion is of similar size and its only common oxidation state is +2. Zinc is the 24th most abundant element in the Earth's crust and has five stable isotopes. The most common zinc ore is sphalerite (zinc blende), a zinc sulfide mineral. The largest mineable amounts are found in Australia, Asia, and the United States. Zinc production includes froth flotation of the ore, roasting, and final extraction using electricity (electrowinning).


1. Chemical properties

Name:Zinc

EINECS:231-175-3

Molecular Formula:Zn

CAS Registry Number:7440-66-6

InChI:InChI=1/Zn

Appearance:silver or blueish-white foil or powder

Molecular Weight:65.39

Density:7.14

Boiling Point:907℃

Melting Point:420℃

Flash Point:-17℃

Storage Temperature:2-8°C

Solubility:Soluble in acids and alkalies; insoluble in water

Stability:Stable. Incompatible with amines, cadmium, sulfur, chlorinated solvents, strong acids, strong bases. Air and moisture sensitive. Zinc powder is very flammable.

2. Safety information

Hazard Codes: N,F,Xi,Xn

Risk Statements: 52/53-50/53-17-15-36/37/38-51/53-36/37-22-19

R52/53:Harmful to aquatic organisms, may cause long-term adverse effects in the aquatic environment.

R50/53:Very toxic to aquatic organisms, may cause long-term adverse effects in the aquatic environment.

R17:Spontaneously flammable in air.

R15:Contact with water liberates extremely flammable gases.

R36/37/38:Irritating to eyes, respiratory system and skin.

R51/53:Toxic to aquatic organisms, may cause long-term adverse effects in the aquatic environment.

R36/37:Irritating to eyes and respiratory system.

R22:Harmful if swallowed.

R19:May form explosive peroxides.

Safety Statements: 26-61-60-46-43-36

S26: In case of contact with eyes, rinse immediately with plenty of water and seek medical advice.

S61:Avoid release to the environment. Refer to special instructions / safety data sheets.

S60:This material and its container must be disposed of as hazardous waste.

S46:If swallowed, seek medical advice immediately and show this container or label.

S43:In case of fire use ... (there follows the type of fire-fighting equipment to be used.)

S36:Wear suitable protective clothing.

RIDADR: UN 3264 8/PG 3

WGK Germany: 3

RTECS: ZH1400000

F: 3

HazardClass: 8

PackingGroup: III

Human systemic effects by ingestion: cough, dyspnea, and sweating. A human skin irritant. Pure zinc powder, dust, and fume are relatively nontoxic to humans by inhalation. The difficulty arises from oxidation of zinc fumes immediately prior to inhalation or presence of impurities such as Cd, Sb, As, Pb. Inhalation may cause sweet taste, throat dryness, cough, weakness, generalized aches, chills, fever, nausea, vomiting.


Flammable in the form of dust when exposed to heat or flame. May ignite spontaneously in air when dry. Explosive in the form of dust when reacted with acids. Incompatible with NH4NO3, BaO2, Ba(NO3)2, Cd, CS2, chlorates, Cl2, ClF3, CrO3, (ethyl acetoacetate + tribromoneopentyl alcohol), F2, hydrazine mononitrate, hydroxylamine, Pb(N3)2, (Mg + Ba(NO3)2 + BaO2), MnCl2, HNO3, performic acid, KClO3, KNO3, K2O2, Se, NaClO3, Na2O2, S, Te, H2O, (NH4)2S, As2O3, CS2, CaCl2, NaOH, chlorinated rubber, catalytic metals, halocarbons, o-nitroanisole, nitrobenzene, nonmetals, oxidants, paint primer base, pentacarbonyliron, transition metal halides, seleninyl bromide. To fight fire, use special mixtures of dry chemical. When heated to decomposition it emits toxic fumes of ZnO.