ZINC ACETATE

Zinc acetate (Zn(CH₃COO)₂, CAS No. 557-34-6 (anhydrous), 5970-45-6 (dihydrate)), also known as zinc diacetate or acetic acid zinc salt, is a vital inorganic compound with extensive applications in pharmaceuticals, industrial processes, and nanotechnology. 
This 30-page review systematically examines its chemical properties, synthesis methods, pharmacological effects, industrial uses, and environmental impact. 
Special emphasis is placed on its role in treating Wilson’s disease, zinc deficiency, and its emerging applications in advanced material sciences.

CAS No. 557-34-6

Zinc acetate, Zn(CH₃COO)₂, zinc supplementation, nanocatalysis, Wilson’s disease, CAS 557-34-6
Introduction
Zinc acetate (Zn(CH₃COO)₂) is a white crystalline solid with two primary forms:
Anhydrous zinc acetate (CAS No. 557-34-6)
Zinc acetate dihydrate (CAS No. 5970-45-6)

Synonyms:
Zinc diacetate,Acetic acid, zinc salt,Dicarbomethoxyzinc,Zinc(II) acetate

This compound is widely used in:
Medicine (zinc supplements, Wilson’s disease treatment)
Industry (catalysis, textiles, wood preservation)
Nanotechnology (ZnO nanoparticle synthesis)

Chemical and Physical Properties
Molecular Structure and CAS Numbers
Anhydrous form (CAS 557-34-6):
Formula: Zn(CH₃COO)₂
Molar mass: 183.48 g/mol
Coordination: Tetrahedral Zn²⁺ center
Dihydrate form (CAS 5970-45-6):
Formula: Zn(CH₃COO)₂·2H₂O
Molar mass: 219.51 g/mol
Structure: Octahedral coordination with water ligands

Solubility and Stability
Solubility:
Water: 43 g/100 mL (20°C)
Ethanol: Slightly soluble
Insoluble in nonpolar solvents
Stability:
Hygroscopic (absorbs moisture)
Decomposes at high temperatures (→ ZnO + acetic acid)

Thermal and Spectroscopic Properties
Melting Point:
Dihydrate: 237°C (decomposes)
Spectroscopic Data:
IR peaks: 1550 cm⁻¹ (asymmetric COO⁻ stretch)
XRD pattern: Characteristic peaks at 2θ = 8.9°, 17.8°

Synthesis and Production
Laboratory Synthesis Methods

Industrial-Scale Manufacturing
Electrochemical Process: Zinc anode in acetic acid electrolyte
Precipitation Method: Reaction of zinc sulfate with sodium acetate

Applications of Zinc Acetate
Pharmaceutical and Medical Uses
Zinc Supplements (50–100 mg/day): Treats deficiency (ICD-10: E60)
Wilson’s Disease (Galzin®): 50 mg TID, blocks Cu absorption
Antiviral Lozenges: Reduces rhinovirus replication

Industrial and Chemical Applications
Catalyst: For polyester production
Textile Mordant: Fixes dyes to fabrics
Wood Preservative: Fungicidal properties

Nanotechnology and Advanced Materials
ZnO Nanoparticle Synthesis:
Applications: UV filters, gas sensors, solar cells

Biological and Pharmacological Effects
Zinc Acetate in Human Metabolism
Daily Requirement: 8–11 mg/day (NIH)
Deficiency Symptoms: Alopecia, immune dysfunction

Clinical Use in Wilson’s Disease
Mechanism: Competes with Cu²⁺ for intestinal absorption
Dosage: 75–150 mg/day in divided doses

Antimicrobial and Antiviral Mechanisms
Against SARS-CoV-2: In vitro IC₅₀ = 2.5 μM (PMID: 32920207)

SAFETY INFORMATION ABOUT ZINC ACETATE

First aid measures:
Description of first aid measures:
General advice:
Consult a physician. 
Show this safety data sheet to the doctor in attendance.
Move out of dangerous area:
 
If inhaled:
If breathed in, move person into fresh air. 
If not breathing, give artificial respiration.
Consult a physician.
In case of skin contact:
Take off conSAFETYtaminated clothing and shoes immediately. 
Wash off with soap and plenty of water.
Consult a physician.
 
In case of eye contact:
Rinse thoroughly with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes and consult a physician.
Continue rinsing eyes during transport to hospital.
 
If swallowed:
Do NOT induce vomiting. 
Never give anything by mouth to an unconscious person. 
Rinse mouth with water. 
Consult a physician.
 
Firefighting measures:
Extinguishing media:
Suitable extinguishing media:
Use water spray, alcohol-resistant foam, dry chemical or carbon dioxide.
Special hazards arising from the substance or mixture
Carbon oxides, Nitrogen oxides (NOx), Hydrogen chloride gas
 
Advice for firefighters:
Wear self-contained breathing apparatus for firefighting if necessary.
Accidental release measures:
Personal precautions, protective equipment and emergency procedures
Use personal protective equipment. 
 
Avoid breathing vapours, mist or gas. 
Evacuate personnel to safe areas.
 
Environmental precautions:
Prevent further leakage or spillage if safe to do so.
Do not let product enter drains.
Discharge into the environment must be avoided.
 
Methods and materials for containment and cleaning up:
Soak up with inert absorbent material and dispose of as hazardous waste. 
Keep in suitable, closed containers for disposal.
 
Handling and storage:
Precautions for safe handling:
Avoid inhalation of vapour or mist.
 
Conditions for safe storage, including any incompatibilities:
Keep container tightly closed in a dry and well-ventilated place. 
Containers which are opened must be carefully resealed and kept upright to prevent leakage.
Storage class (TRGS 510): 8A: Combustible, corrosive hazardous materials
 
Exposure controls/personal protection:
Control parameters:
Components with workplace control parameters
Contains no substances with occupational exposure limit values.
Exposure controls:
Appropriate engineering controls:
Handle in accordance with good industrial hygiene and safety practice.
Wash hands before breaks and at the end of workday.
 
Personal protective equipment:
Eye/face protection:
Tightly fitting safety goggles. 
Faceshield (8-inch minimum). 
Use equipment for eye protection tested and approved under appropriate government standards such as NIOSH (US) or EN 166(EU).
 
Skin protection:
Handle with gloves. 
Gloves must be inspected prior to use. 
Use proper glove
removal technique (without touching glove's outer surface) to avoid skin contact with this product. 
Dispose of contaminated gloves after use in accordance with applicable laws and good laboratory practices. 
Wash and dry hands.
 
Full contact:
Material: Nitrile rubber
Minimum layer thickness: 0.11 mm
Break through time: 480 min
Material tested:Dermatril (KCL 740 / Aldrich Z677272, Size M)
Splash contact
Material: Nitrile rubber
Minimum layer thickness: 0.11 mm
Break through time: 480 min
Material tested:Dermatril (KCL 740 / Aldrich Z677272, Size M)
It should not be construed as offering an approval for any specific use scenario.
 
Body Protection:
Complete suit protecting against chemicals, The type of protective equipment must be selected according to the concentration and amount of the dangerous substance at the specific workplace.
Respiratory protection:
Where risk assessment shows air-purifying respirators are appropriate use a fullface respirator with multi-purpose combination (US) or type ABEK (EN 14387) respirator cartridges as a backup to engineering controls. 
 
If the respirator is the sole means of protection, use a full-face supplied air respirator. 
Use respirators and components tested and approved under appropriate government standards such as NIOSH (US) or CEN (EU).
Control of environmental exposure
Prevent further leakage or spillage if safe to do so. 
Do not let product enter drains.
Discharge into the environment must be avoided.
 
Stability and reactivity:
Chemical stability:
Stable under recommended storage conditions.
Incompatible materials:
Strong oxidizing agents:
Hazardous decomposition products:
Hazardous decomposition products formed under fire conditions. 
Carbon oxides, Nitrogen oxides (NOx), Hydrogen chloride gas.
 
Disposal considerations:
Waste treatment methods:
Product:
Offer surplus and non-recyclable solutions to a licensed disposal company. 
Contact a licensed professional waste disposal service to dispose of this material.
Contaminated packaging:
Dispose of as unused product