Zinc chloride

Zinc chloride (CAS 7646-85-7) is an inorganic salt used in industrial manufacturing as a flux agent, catalyst, and antimicrobial preservative.

Where is Zinc chloride used?

• Textile and paper: activates and mercerizes fibers, improving dye uptake and dimensional stability
• Organic synthesis: Lewis acid catalyst facilitating Friedel-Crafts alkylations
• Water treatment: coagulation aid and biocide controlling microbial growth in cooling systems and process water
• Leather processing: preservative and tanning auxiliary stabilizing hides during intermediate stages
• It acts as a strong electrophilic promoter in demanding reactions.
• Battery industry: electrolyte, accounting for 15% of use.
• Wood preservative.
• Municipal wastewater treatment: added in small doses to purify water and act as a clarifying agent.
• Pharmacological uses in deodorants, mouthwashes, sunburn creams and anti-inflammatory drugs.

Formulation notes

• Decomposes on heating, producing toxic fumes of hydrochloric acid and zinc oxide.

Typical specification

• Available in an anhydrous form.
• Solution is available with a solids content of 62.5%, which is the industry standard.
• Acts as a moderate Lewis acid and its solutions have a pH around 4.
• Purity of at least 98.0% by complexometric titration.

Regulatory status

• Assigned UN number 1840.
• Classified as H314, causing severe skin burns and serious eye damage.
• Classified as H400, very toxic to aquatic life.

Storage, packaging and handling

• Reacts violently with strong oxidants and strong bases, creating fire and explosion hazards.
• Should be stored only in its original container, separated from strong bases, strong oxidants, and food and feedstuffs.
• Must be stored in cool, dry and fully closed packaging due to its hygroscopic nature.

Frequently asked questions about Zinc chloride

Is zinc chloride classified as a substance of very high concern?

No, zinc chloride is not classified as a substance of very high concern (SVHC).

What are the occupational exposure limits for zinc chloride fume?

The occupational exposure limit for zinc chloride fume is 1 mg/m³ as TWA and 2 mg/m³ as STEL.

Can concentrated aqueous solutions of zinc chloride be filtered through standard filter paper?

No, concentrated aqueous solutions of zinc chloride dissolve starch, silk, and cellulose, so they cannot be filtered through standard filter paper.

Technical content is compiled and updated by the SoleChem product team from public technical sources; the certificate of analysis (COA) governs product-specific specifications.