Zinc chloride
Zinc Chloride is a highly versatile, white crystalline inorganic compound known for its strong hygroscopic nature and high solubility in water. It serves multiple industrial roles including fluxing, dehydrating, catalysis, and preservation. With applications across metallurgy, pharmaceuticals, textiles, water treatment, and chemical synthesis, Zinc Chloride is valued for its reactivity and binding properties.
Zinc chloride
Primary Uses
Metallurgical Industry
- Flux Agent: Used in galvanizing, soldering, and tinning to remove oxides and promote metal adhesion.
- Electroplating: Acts as an electrolyte in zinc electroplating processes.
Chemical Industry
- Catalyst: Promotes reactions such as Friedel-Crafts alkylation and polymerizations.
- Dehydrating Agent: Used in organic synthesis to remove water and drive chemical reactions forward.
Textile Industry
- Mercerization & Printing: Aids in treating fabrics to enhance strength and dye uptake.
- Textile Fiber Dissolution: Used to dissolve cellulose in viscose rayon production.
Water Treatment
- Corrosion Inhibitor: Added to industrial water systems to prevent pipe corrosion.
Petroleum Industry
- Oil Refining: Acts as a catalyst in hydrocracking and other refining processes.
Secondary Uses
Pharmaceutical Industry
- Astringent & Disinfectant: Used in topical formulations and antiseptic preparations (in limited, regulated concentrations).
Wood Preservation
- Preservative Agent: Protects timber from rot and insects when used in treating wood.
Batteries & Electronics
- Electrolyte Additive: Used in Leclanché (dry cell) batteries to maintain ionic conductivity.
Rubber & Adhesives
- Activator: Enhances vulcanization and adhesive bonding in some specialty applications.
Laboratory Use
- Reagent Grade Chemical: Widely used in qualitative analysis and synthesis in research labs.
Deodorants & Personal Care
- Odor Neutralizer (Historic Use): Formerly used in some formulations for its astringent properties. (Now limited due to safety concerns.)
Basic Identification Attributes
- Chemical Name (IUPAC): Zinc chloride
- Common/Trade Name: Zinc Chloride
- CAS Number: 7646-85-7
- HS Code: 2827.39.00
- Synonyms: Zinc dichloride, ZnCl₂
Physical & Chemical Properties
- Physical State: White crystalline solid or powder
- Color & Odor: White; odorless
- Melting Point: ~290 °C
- Boiling Point: Sublimes at 732 °C (decomposes)
- Density: 2.91 g/cm³
- Solubility: Highly soluble in water, ethanol, and glycerol
- Hygroscopicity: Strongly hygroscopic
Safety & Hazard Attributes
- GHS Classification:
- Corrosive to skin and eyes
- Harmful if swallowed or inhaled
- Toxicity: Moderate; causes burns and mucosal irritation
- Exposure Limits: Follow OSHA and ACGIH guidelines
Storage & Handling Attributes
- Storage Conditions: Store in tightly closed containers, in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area
- Container Type: Plastic-lined drums or sealed HDPE containers
- Shelf Life: Up to 2 years under optimal conditions
- Handling Precautions: Avoid moisture exposure; use PPE due to corrosive nature
Regulatory & Compliance Attributes
- Complies with REACH, TSCA, and OSHA chemical regulations
- Listed on international chemical inventories (EINECS, DSL, etc.)
- Subject to restrictions in food/pharma use; follow country-specific guidelines
- Manufactured under ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 standards when applicable
Environmental & Health Impact
- Biodegradability: Not applicable (inorganic compound)
- Ecotoxicity: Toxic to aquatic life; must be prevented from entering water bodies
- Bioaccumulation: Low; zinc is an essential but potentially toxic trace element
Safety Handling Precautions
- PPE Required: Gloves, eye protection, dust mask or respirator
- Handling Guidelines: Use in well-ventilated areas; avoid contact with skin and mucous membranes
- Storage Measures: Keep containers sealed and protected from moisture
First Aid Measures
- Inhalation: Move to fresh air immediately; seek medical help if respiratory symptoms occur
- Skin Contact: Rinse with water for 15 minutes; remove contaminated clothing
- Eye Contact: Rinse with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes; seek urgent medical care
- Ingestion: Do not induce vomiting; seek medical attention immediately
Firefighting Measures
- Fire Hazards: Non-flammable, but decomposes at high temperature to release toxic fumes
- Extinguishing Media: Use suitable extinguishing agents for surrounding fire (e.g., water spray, dry powder)
- Hazardous Combustion Products: Hydrogen chloride, zinc oxide fumes

Preservatives(food)
Flavor Enhancers
Acidulants
Sweeteners
Antioxidants
Colorants(food)
Nutraceutical Ingredients (food)
Nutrient Supplements
Emulsifiers
Collectors
Dust Suppressants
Explosives and Blasting Agents
Flocculants and Coagulants
Frothers
Leaching Agents
pH Modifiers
Precious Metal Extraction Agents
Antioxidants(plastic)
Colorants (Pigments, Dyes)
Fillers and Reinforcements
Flame Retardants
Monomers
Plasticizers
Polymerization Initiators
Stabilizers (UV, Heat)
Antifoaming Agents
Chelating Agents
Coagulants and Flocculants
Corrosion Inhibitors
Disinfectants and Biocides
Oxidizing Agents
pH Adjusters
Scale Inhibitors( water)
Antioxidants(cosmetic)
Emollients
Fragrances and Essential Oils
Humectants
Preservatives
Surfactants(cosmetic)
Thickeners
UV Filters
Fertilizers
Soil Conditioners
Plant Growth Regulators
Animal Feed Additives
Biostimulants
Pesticides (Herbicides, Insecticides, Fungicides)
Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs)
Excipients
Solvents(pharmaceutical)
Antibiotics
Antiseptics and Disinfectants
Vaccine Adjuvants
Nutraceutical Ingredients (pharmaceutical)
Analgesics & Antipyretics
Analytical Reagents
Solvents(lab)
Chromatography Chemicals
Spectroscopy Reagents
microbiology-and-cell-culture-reagents
Molecular Biology Reagents
Biochemical Reagents
Inorganic and Organic Standards
Laboratory Safety Chemicals
Specialty Laboratory Chemicals(Special Laboratory Equipment)
Demulsifiers
Hydraulic Fracturing Fluids
Scale Inhibitors(oil)
Surfactants(oil)
Drilling Fluids
Dyes and Pigments
Bleaching Agents
Softening Agents
Finishing Agents
Antistatic Agents
Admixtures
Waterproofing Agents
Sealants and Adhesives
Curing Compounds
Concrete Repair Chemicals
Anti-Corrosion Coatings
Surfactants(cleaning)
Builders
Enzymes
Solvents (Cleaning)
Fragrances
Electronic Chemicals
Catalysts
Lubricants
Photographic Chemicals
Refrigerants
Automotive chemicals
Pyrotechnic Chemicals
Biodegradable Surfactants
Bio-based Solvents
Renewable Polymers
Carbon Capture Chemicals
Wastewater Treatment Chemicals
Pigments
Solvents(paint)
Specialty Coatings
Binders/Resins
Additives
Driers
Anti-Corrosion Agents
Functional Coatings
Application-Specific Coatings
Fresh Herbs
Ground Spices
Whole Spices
Spice Blends
Dried Herbs
Leavening Agents
Dough Conditioners
Flour Treatments
Fat Replacers
Decoratives
Preservatives(baking)
Plasticizers & Softeners
Reinforcing Agents
Adhesion Promoters
Vulcanizing Agents
Antidegradants
Blowing Agents
Fillers & Extenders
Accelerators & Retarders