Zinc acetate

Zinc acetate (CAS 557-34-6), also designated E650 in food applications, is an inorganic zinc salt used across food, pharmaceutical, personal care, and industrial sectors. It functions as a preservative, pH buffer, and catalyst precursor depending on the application context. In food and nutraceutical products, it serves as a zinc fortification agent and approved preservative.

Pharmaceutical formulators use it as an active ingredient in throat lozenges and oral zinc supplements targeting zinc deficiency. In polymer and plastics manufacturing, it acts as a catalyst or catalyst precursor. It is used in the production of polyesters and polylactic acid resins. Personal care formulators incorporate it into oral care products and topical preparations where antimicrobial activity and astringency are required.

Zinc acetate is supplied as a white crystalline powder or granules, typically as the dihydrate form. Standard grades include USP, BP, and food-grade specifications for regulated applications. These standards ensure high purity for sensitive industries, alongside technical grade for industrial use. Packaging ranges from small quantities for pharmaceutical compounding to bulk bags for manufacturing volumes.