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Zinc sulfate is a combination of two chemicals namely Zinc and Sulfate. The chemical molecular formula of Zinc Sulfate is ZnSO4. The other two alternative names of Zinc Sulphate are Sulfate of Zinc or Zincate. Zinc Sulfide is one of the most prevalent form of Zinc in nature. However, absorption of medicines containing Zinc Sulfate by the body would not be proper if the diet is rich in phosphorus and calcium.
Zinc Sulfate may also be used in the production of herbicides largely used for moss control. The toxicity of the compound depends upon the quantity of zinc in the same. Zinc is a naturally occurring mineral in the environment and maybe found in soil, plants and animals. Zinc sulfate is an inorganic salt when dissolved in water becomes zinc ions. Zinc sulfate is odourless and looks like white powder. It is non-combustible and soluble in water. During decomposition, it produces harmful fumes of zinc and sulphur oxide.
Read More: Reactivity Series
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Key Terms: Zinc, Sulfate, Zinc Sulfate, Structure, Formula, Diet Supplement, Zincate, White Vitrol
Zinc Sulfate Structure
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Zinc Sulfate also known as White Vitrol is used predominantly as a dietary supplement. Zin Sulfate is also commonly known as Zincate, Zinc sulfate (1:1). Due to its usage Zinc Sulfate has been on the World Health Organization’s List of Essential Medicines.
- Zinc Sulfate is an odorless white powder that is non-combustible and soluble in water.
- Upon decomposition, zinc sulfate emits toxic fumes of zinc oxide and sulfur oxides.
- It is widely used in the prevention and treatment of zinc deficiency.
- Care should be taken to avoid using zinc sulfate as a medication with foods high in phosphorus or calcium.
- This can make the food harder to digest and absorb by the human body.
Zinc Sulfate Structure
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| Concepts Related to Salts | ||
|---|---|---|
| Sodium Sulfate | Calcium Sulphate | Nickel Sulphate |
| Ammonium Sulphate | Hydrogen Sulphate | Copper Sulphate |
| Potassium Sulphate | Cobalt (II) Sulphate | Chromium (II) Sulphate |
Properties of Zinc Sulfate
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Zinc Sulfate is an ionic compound because it is formed due to ionic bonding between the Zinc and Sulfate ion. The bond is formed due to electrostatic attraction force within the ions, the positively charged ion gives two electrons to a negatively charged ion.
Zinc and Sulfate Ions
| Properties of Zinc Sulfate | |
|---|---|
| Zinc Sulfate | ZnSO4 |
| Molecular Mass | 161.47 g/mol |
| Boiling Point (Temperature in Degree Celsius) | 740 |
| Melting Point (Temperature in Degree Celsius) | 680 |
| Density | 3.54 g/cm3 |
Read More: Ferrous Sulphate
Uses of Zinc Sulfate
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The prominent applications of zinc sulfate are listed below:
- The compound is used as a preservative for leather products.
- The chemical in its certain from is used in the process of dying.
- In the process of zinc electroplating, the compound is used as an electrolyte.
- The compound is used for manufacturing of Zinc supplements for consumption.
- It is used medically as an oral rehydration therapy.
- Acne can be treated with certain composition of the compound.
- In lotions and certain types of eye drops it is used as an astringent.
- Medicines containing zinc sulfate can be used as a treatment for upset stomach.
- Zinc Sulfate is used in the manufacturing of pesticides and herbicides.
- The production of rayon involves use of this compound.
- Zinc is also used in brewing process of certain alcoholic drinks.
- Zinc is also used manufacturing of batteries and cells.
Read More: Mercury (II)Sulphate
Toxicity of Zinc Sulfate
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- If Zinc Sulfate enters respiratory tract through breathing, it can irritate the tract, cause nausea, increased heart rate, stomach ache, dizziness, bloody urine, vomiting and in some extreme cases may cause death.
- Any contact with eye may cause severe irritation and pain.
- Skin contact may lead to blisters and ulcers.
Toxicity of Zinc in Adults & Infants/ Children
There are no studies to show that children have increased sensitivity towards Zinc Sulfate, however, they may be sensitive to pesticides compared to adults. Infants should be kept away from this compound. For zinc, the toxicity limits are listed below:
Infants and Young Children
When taken in prescribed quantities, zinc is considered healthy but dangerous if consumed in higher concentrations.
Pregnancy and Breast-Feeding
Zinc is comparatively safe when consumed in the prescribed daily quantities in most pregnant and breastfeeding women. However, higher doses of zinc are relatively unsafe. The permissible limits per day are a maximum of 40 mg of zinc by pregnant women over the age of 18 and about 34 mg by pregnant women aged 14 to 18 years. Breastfeeding women over the age of 18 should consume not more than 40 mg of zinc per day and no more than 34 mg per day by breastfeeding women aged 14 to 18.
Alcoholism
Studies have shown that excessive, long-term consumption of alcohol is related to low absorption of zinc in the body.
Kidney Disease
Low zinc in the diet can cause kidney diseases specially for people with hemodialysis. Such patients will need zinc supplements.
Vegetarianism
Vegetarian diets are often associated with lower absorption of zinc. Depletion of zinc owing to vegetarian diet is often seen. However, the human body has been noted to adapt and Zinc absorption and zinc loss elimination are now getting stronger.
Read More: Aluminium Sulphate
Things to Remember
- Zinc is a naturally found mineral found in human, animals and soil.
- The chemical expression for it is ZnSO4.
- It is odourless, soluble and non-combustible in nature and when decomposed produces harmful oxides of Zinc and Sulphur.
- Zinc Sulfate is an important chemical compound used for production of medicines, supplements, and preservatives and is largely used for industrial purpose.
- Zinc supplements when taken in proper quantity boost health in human beings. However, overdose or high concentration of zinc can cause serious health problems.
- Certain composition of the compound may be used to treat dehydration, upset stomach.
- Common symptoms indicating excess Zinc supplementation may include nausea, vomiting, fatigue and headache.
- The most popular form in which Zinc Sulfate is available is with the chemical formula ZnSO4.7H2O which contains crystallization of water molecules as heptahydrate.
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| Concepts Related to Chemical Compounds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Magnesium Sulphate | Sodium Sulfite | Titanium Dioxide |
| Chemistry Compound Formulae | Molecular Formula | Empirical Formula |
| Structural Formula | Cadmium Sulphate | Ammonium Sulfide |
Sample Questions
Ques. What is Zinc Sulfate Used for? (2 marks)
Ans. Zinc is an essential mineral which is important for the development of tissue, growth and proper health. Proper intake of Zinc is required to stay healthy.
Ques. Can Zinc Sulfate be dangerous? (2 marks)
Ans. Zinc Sulfate may prove to be fatal if consumed in excess supplementation. As mentioned earlier it can cause problems to the respiratory tract, cause vomiting, stomach ache, nausea, ulcers inside the mouth, metallic taste and in some exceptional cases death. Direct skin contact in its industrial form may cause blister and scarring.
Ques. Is there any difference between Zinc and Zinc Sulfate? (1 mark)
Ans. Zinc Sulfate is the water-soluble form of Zinc and is used to treat deficiencies of Zinc as well as for various industrial purposes.
Ques. What are the forms in which Zinc is consumed as a supplement? (2 marks)
Ans. Zinc in its medicinal form is used as a supplement in various forms such as Zinc Citrate, Zinc Acetate and Zinc Picolinate. These are the forms in which the compound is easily absorbed by the body. It boosts the immune system.
Ques. How much Zinc is there in Zinc Sulfate Monohydrate? (2 marks)
Ans. In most of the cases Zinc Sulfate contains approx. 36.6 percent of Zinc. In that sense, two hundred and twenty grams of Zinc Sulfate would have about fifty grams of Zinc in the compound.
Ques. Does alcoholism reduce Zinc content in the body? (2 marks)
Ans. Excessive consumption of alcohol dehydrates the body and in turn causes depletion of the mineral zinc in the body. Therefore, alcoholism reduces zinc content in the body of a human being.
Ques. What are the symptoms of Zinc deficiency in humans? (1 mark)
Ans. Zinc deficiency may be indicated by skin rashes and acne, diarrhoea, loss of weight and dryness of skin, delay in haling of wounds, etc.
Ques. Is Zinc used in Galvanisation? (2 marks)
Ans. Yes. Zinc is used in the process of galvanization because it is more reactive to stell and iron. In the galvanization process zinc oxidizes first and a protective layer is formed over zinc to prevent it from contact of air.
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