How Does Zinc Sulfate Benefit Chemistry and Everyday Life?
Zinc sulfate is an inorganic compound with the molecular formula ZnSO4. The nutritional supplement is Zinc Sulfate. It has been traditionally referred to as white vitriol. It is also known as Zincate, Sulfate of Zinc (1:1). This compound is listed on the List of Essential Medicines of the World Health Organization. You should avoid taking this medication with foods high in phosphorus or calcium because it may make it more difficult for your body to absorb it.
Properties of Zinc Sulfate
Zinc Sulfate has a white powder look and is odorless. Zinc Sulfate, which is soluble in water, is non-combustible. During decomposition, it releases poisonous gases of zinc oxide and sulfur oxides. It is commonly used in zinc deficiency prevention and treatment.
Zinc sulfate is an inorganic compound. It is used to treat zinc deficiency and to avoid the disease in those at high risk as a dietary supplement. Excess supplementation side effects can include stomach pain, vomiting, headache, and fatigue.
As the already mentioned formula of zinc sulfate ZnSO4. The most popular form, with the formula ZnSO4•7H2O, contains crystallization water as the heptahydrate. "Historically, it was known as "white vitriol". Zinc sulfate and its hydrates are solids that are colorless.
Zinc Sulfate Structure
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Physical Properties of Zinc Sulfate
Zinc Sulfate Uses
It is used in medicine together with oral rehydration therapy (ORT) and astringent therapy.
The primary forms used commercially are hydrates, particularly heptahydrate. In the manufacture of rayon, the principal application is as a coagulant. It is also a precursor to lithopone, a pigment.
It is also used as an electrolyte for electroplating zinc, as a dye mordant, and as a skin and leather preservative.
Zinc sulfate is used in animal feed, fertilizers, toothpaste, and agricultural sprays. Zinc sulfate can be used to regulate moss growth on roofs, like many zinc compounds.
In the brewing process, zinc sulfate can be used to replace zinc. For optimal yeast health and efficiency, zinc is a necessary nutrient, although it is not a necessary supplement for low-gravity beers, as sufficient zinc is already supplied by the grains widely used in brewing.
In practices like when pushing yeast to its limit by increasing the alcohol content outside their comfort zone, it is a more common practice. Zinc was steadily leached by the use of copper kettles before modern stainless steel, brewing kettles, fermenting pots, and after wood. In order to provide trace elements of zinc, a modern copper immersion chiller is speculated; so caution must be taken when adding supplemental zinc so as not to cause excess.
It is used as an astringent in eye drops and lotions.
It is used to treat acne.
You can take zinc sulfate with food if you are suffering from stomach upset.
Zinc and its Doses
Infants and Children:
When taken by mouth properly in the prescribed quantities, zinc is likely Healthy. When used in high concentrations, zinc is likely Dangerous.
Pregnancy and Breast-Feeding:
Zinc is likely safe when used in the prescribed daily quantities for most pregnant and breast-feeding women (RDA). Zinc, however, is potentially unsafe when used by breast-feeding women at high doses and likely unsafe when used by pregnant women at high doses. No more than 40 mg of zinc should be taken per day by pregnant women over the age of 18; no more than 34 mg per day should be taken by pregnant women aged 14 to 18 years. No more than 40 mg of zinc per day should be taken by breastfeeding women over the age of 18; no more than 34 mg per day should be taken by breastfeeding women aged 14 to 18.
Alcoholism:
Excessive, long-term consumption of alcohol is related to low absorption of zinc in the body.
Kidney Disease:
The risk of having kidney disease rises with low zinc in the diet. People with hemodialysis kidney disease are also at risk for zinc deficiency and may need zinc supplements.
Vegetarianism:
Vegetarian diets are often associated with lower absorption of zinc. This form of diet is also seen as a risk factor for the depletion of zinc. But in the long term, the body adapts. Zinc absorption and zinc loss elimination are getting stronger.
Did You Know?
Zinc sulfate powder is an eye irritant. The ingestion of trace amounts is considered healthy and, as a source of critical zinc, zinc sulfate is added to animal feed at rates of up to several hundred milligrams per kilogram of feed. Acute stomach pain results from excess consumption, with nausea and vomiting appearing at 2-8 mg/Kg of body weight.
FAQs on Zinc Sulfate (ZnSO₄): Properties, Uses, and Safe Doses
1. What are the key physical and chemical properties of Zinc Sulfate (ZnSO₄)?
Zinc Sulfate (ZnSO₄) is an inorganic compound with several distinct properties:
- Appearance: It is a colourless, crystalline solid that often appears as a white powder in its anhydrous form.
- Odour: It is odourless.
- Solubility: ZnSO₄ is highly soluble in water but insoluble in ethanol.
- Hygroscopic Nature: The anhydrous form is hygroscopic, meaning it readily absorbs moisture from the air to form hydrates, most commonly zinc sulfate heptahydrate (ZnSO₄·7H₂O).
- Decomposition: When heated to high temperatures (above 680°C), it decomposes into zinc oxide (ZnO) and toxic sulfur oxide fumes.
2. What are the main uses of Zinc Sulfate?
Zinc Sulfate has a wide range of applications across various industries:
- Medicine: It is used as a dietary supplement to treat zinc deficiency and as a component in oral rehydration solutions to manage diarrhea.
- Agriculture: It serves as a fertiliser additive to correct zinc deficiency in soil, which is crucial for plant growth, and as a herbicide.
- Industry: It is used in the production of rayon (viscose process), as a mordant in dyeing, for electroplating zinc, and as a preservative for wood and hides.
- Chemistry: It is used as a laboratory reagent and a precursor to other zinc compounds.
3. What is the role of Zinc Sulfate in agriculture?
In agriculture, Zinc Sulfate is primarily used as a micronutrient fertiliser. Zinc is an essential element for plant growth, involved in enzyme function, chlorophyll production, and carbohydrate metabolism. When soil is deficient in zinc, adding Zinc Sulfate helps to:
- Increase crop yield and quality.
- Prevent plant diseases like "rosette" in fruit trees.
- Improve overall plant health and vigour.
4. Why is Zinc Sulfate known as 'white vitriol'?
Zinc Sulfate is historically known as "white vitriol" due to its appearance and origin. The term "vitriol" was used by alchemists to describe a class of glassy, crystalline metal sulfates. Zinc Sulfate forms white, glassy crystals when crystallised from an aqueous solution, hence the name "white vitriol". This distinguishes it from other vitriols like copper(II) sulfate ("blue vitriol") and iron(II) sulfate ("green vitriol").
5. How does Zinc Sulfate (ZnSO₄) differ from Zinc Sulfide (ZnS)?
Although their names sound similar, Zinc Sulfate (ZnSO₄) and Zinc Sulfide (ZnS) are chemically distinct compounds with different properties and uses.
- Composition: Zinc Sulfate is a salt of sulfuric acid containing the sulfate ion (SO₄²⁻). Zinc Sulfide is a salt of hydrogen sulfide containing the sulfide ion (S²⁻).
- Solubility: Zinc Sulfate is highly soluble in water, whereas Zinc Sulfide is practically insoluble in water.
- Uses: Zinc Sulfate is used in medicine and agriculture. Zinc Sulfide is primarily used as a white pigment (lithopone) and in phosphorescent materials.
6. How is Zinc Sulfate prepared in a laboratory setting?
In a laboratory, Zinc Sulfate can be prepared by reacting a zinc-containing substance with sulfuric acid. A common method is the reaction of metallic zinc with dilute sulfuric acid (H₂SO₄). The chemical equation for this reaction is:
Zn(s) + H₂SO₄(aq) → ZnSO₄(aq) + H₂(g)
Alternatively, it can be prepared by reacting zinc oxide (ZnO) or zinc carbonate (ZnCO₃) with sulfuric acid. The resulting solution is then filtered and evaporated to obtain crystals of Zinc Sulfate.
7. Why is Zinc Sulfate effective in treating zinc deficiency and diarrhea?
Zinc Sulfate is effective because it provides the body with the essential micronutrient, zinc.
- For Zinc Deficiency: It directly replenishes low levels of zinc, which is vital for hundreds of enzymatic reactions, immune function, and protein synthesis.
- For Diarrhea: Zinc plays a crucial role in the gastrointestinal system. It helps to improve the absorption of water and electrolytes in the intestines, strengthens the gut's mucosal barrier, and boosts the immune response to the infectious agents often causing diarrhea. This reduces the severity and duration of the illness.
8. What happens when Zinc Sulfate is heated strongly, and why is this important for safety?
When Zinc Sulfate (ZnSO₄) is heated to temperatures above 680°C, it undergoes thermal decomposition. It breaks down into solid zinc oxide (ZnO) and gaseous sulfur trioxide (SO₃). The equation is:
ZnSO₄(s) → ZnO(s) + SO₃(g)
This is important for safety because sulfur trioxide (SO₃) and its subsequent product, sulfur dioxide (SO₂), are toxic and corrosive gases. Inhaling these fumes can cause severe respiratory irritation. Therefore, heating Zinc Sulfate must be done in a well-ventilated area, such as a fume hood, to prevent exposure.
