Zinc nitrate (CAS: 10196-18-6)

Zinc nitrate is a highly deliquescent substance which is usually prepared by dissolving zinc in nitric

acid. It can be used as a mordant in dyeing. An example reaction gives a precipitate of zinc carbonate:

Zn(NO3)2 + Na2CO3 → ZnCO3 + 2 NaNO3.

Conditions/substances to avoid are: reducing agents, organic materials, metal powders, heat and flame,

cyanides, sodium hypophosphite, tin(IV) chloride, phosphorus, thiocyanates, carbon, and sulfur.

Zinc nitrate is soluble in both water and alcohol. It is a white, crystalline solid.

On heating, it forms zinc oxide, nitrogen dioxide and oxygen. It gives a residue that is yellow

when hot and white when cold.

Zinc forms zinc nitrate in reaction with nitric acid, but depending on the concentration of the

acid it reacts differently:

Zn + 2 HNO3 (dilluted) → Zn(NO3)2 + H2

4 Zn + 10 HNO3 (concentrated) → 4 Zn(NO3)2 + NH4NO3 + 3 H2O