Zinc Nitrate Formula: Overview, Preparation, & Properties

Zinc nitrate is an inorganic compound. It is the zinc salt of nitric acid. Zinc Nitrate Formula is represented as \(\rm{Zn(NO}_3)_2\). It is also known as zinc dinitrate. Zinc nitrate is a white crystalline solid which is highly deliquescent in nature. Zinc Nitrate is generally encountered as hexahydrate, \({\rm{Zn(NO}}_3)_2.6 {\rm{H}}_2 {\rm{O}}\). Furthermore, one can derive the chemical formula of zinc nitrate by using the criss-cross method.

In this article, we will provide detailed information on Zinc Nitrate Formula, its derivation, properties, preparation, etc. Scroll down to read more!

Zinc Nitrate Formula: Overview

The chemical formula of zinc nitrate is \(\rm{Zn(NO}_3)_2.\) This salt contains zinc \((\rm{Zn}^{2+})\) ions and nitrate \(\left( {{\rm{NO}}_3^ – } \right)\) anions. It is considered as an ionic compound.
Zinc nitrate can be represented as,

The molar mass of zinc nitrate \(\left[ {{\text{Zn}}{{\left( {{\text{N}}{{\text{O}}_{\text{3}}}} \right)}_{\text{2}}}} \right]\) is \(189.36\,{\text{g/mol}}.\)

The molar mass of the hexahydrate form, \({{\text{Zn}}{{\left( {{\text{N}}{{\text{O}}_{\text{3}}}} \right)}_{\text{2}}}} . 6{{\text{H}}_{\text{2}}}{\text{O}}\) is \(297.49\,{\text{g/mol}}.\)

Zinc Nitrate Chemical Formula Derivation

The chemical formula of zinc nitrate can be derived using the criss-cross method.

In the criss-cross method, if we know the valency of each element of a compound, we can easily write its formula. On the right side, the symbol of the positive part is written and on the left side, a symbol of the negative part is written. The valency of each element is placed as a subscript on the side of the symbol of another element. Subscript \(1\) is not written often. Signs of the charges are dropped.

Using this, the chemical formula of zinc nitrate can be found as,

Zinc nitrate contains zinc \(\left( {{\text{Z}}{{\text{n}}^{{\text{2 + }}}}} \right)\) and nitrate \(\left( {{\rm{NO}}_3^ – } \right)\) radicals.  The valency of zinc radical is two and that of nitrate radical is one. By criss-crossing these valency numbers, the chemical formula of zinc nitrate is \({{\text{Zn}}{{\left( {{\text{N}}{{\text{O}}_{\text{3}}}} \right)}_{\text{2}}}}\). That is,

Preparation of Zinc Nitrate

Zinc nitrate can be prepared using the following methods:

1. Zinc nitrate can be prepared by the reaction of zinc with nitric acid. It can be done using both concentrated and dilute nitric acid. For example, if we use dilute nitric acid, zinc nitrate is formed as,

\({\text{Zn + 2HN}}{{\text{O}}_{\text{3}}}\left( {{\text{diluted}}} \right) \to {\text{Zn}}{\left( {{\text{N}}{{\text{O}}_{\text{3}}}} \right)_{\text{2}}}{\text{ + }}{{\text{H}}_{\text{2}}}\)

If we use concentrated nitric acid, zinc nitrate is formed along with ammonium nitrate. The chemical equation for the reaction can be given as,

\({\text{4Zn + 10HN}}{{\text{O}}_{\text{3}}}\left( {{\text{concentrated}}} \right) \to {\text{4Zn}}{\left( {{\text{N}}{{\text{O}}_{\text{3}}}} \right)_{\text{2}}}{\text{ + N}}{{\text{H}}_{\text{4}}}{\text{N}}{{\text{O}}_{\text{3}}}{\text{ + 3}}{{\text{H}}_{\text{2}}}{\text{O}}\)

2. Zinc nitrate is also formed when zinc hydroxide reacts with nitric acid. The chemical equation for the reaction can be given as,

\({\text{Zn}}{\left( {{\text{OH}}} \right)_{\text{2}}}{\text{ + 2HN}}{{\text{O}}_{\text{3}}} \to {\text{Zn}}{\left( {{\text{N}}{{\text{O}}_{\text{3}}}} \right)_{\text{2}}}{\text{ + 2}}{{\text{H}}_{\text{2}}}{\text{O}}\)

The above reaction is an example of neutralization reaction. That is, zinc hydroxide (amphoteric compound) behaves as a base here.

Properties of Zinc Nitrate

Let us discuss the physical and chemical properties of zinc nitrate.

Physical Properties of Zinc Nitrate

The physical properties of Zinc Nitrate are as follows:

1. Zinc nitrate appears as deliquescent crystals.
2. It is a deliquescent solid. That is, it absorbs moisture from the atmosphere until it dissolves in water and forms a solution.
3. The melting point of zinc nitrate is approximately equal to \(383\;\rm{K}.\)
4. Zinc nitrate is soluble in water and very soluble in alcohol.

Chemical Properties of Zinc Nitrate

The chemical properties of Zinc Nitrate are as follows:

1. Thermal Decomposition of Zinc Nitrate
   Zinc nitrate, on heating, it decomposes to give zinc oxide, nitrogen dioxide and oxygen. The chemical equation for the reaction can be given as,
   \({\text{2Zn}}{\left( {{\text{N}}{{\text{O}}_{\text{3}}}} \right)_{\text{2}}} \to {\text{2ZnO + 4N}}{{\text{O}}_{\text{2}}}{\text{ + }}{{\text{O}}_{\text{2}}}\)
2. Reaction of Zinc Nitrate with Sodium Carbonate
   Zinc nitrate reacts with sodium carbonate to form sodium nitrate and zinc carbonate. The chemical equation for the reaction can be given as,
   \({\text{Zn}}{\left( {{\text{N}}{{\text{O}}_{\text{3}}}} \right)_{\text{2}}}{\text{ + N}}{{\text{a}}_{\text{2}}}{\text{C}}{{\text{O}}_{\text{3}}} \to {\text{ZnC}}{{\text{O}}_{\text{3}}}{\text{ + 2NaN}}{{\text{O}}_{\text{3}}}\)
3. Reaction of Zinc Nitrate with Ammonium Hydroxide
   When zinc nitrate reacts with ammonium hydroxide solution, a white precipitate of ammonium nitrate is formed. The chemical equation for the reaction can be given as,
   \({\rm{Zn}}{\left( {{\rm{N}}{{\rm{O}}_{\rm{3}}}} \right)_{\rm{2}}}{\rm{  +  2N}}{{\rm{H}}_{\rm{4}}}{\rm{OH}} \to {\rm{Zn}}{\left( {{\rm{OH}}} \right)_{\rm{2}}}\,{\rm{ +  2N}}{{\rm{H}}_{\rm{4}}}\left( {{\rm{N}}{{\rm{O}}_3}} \right)\)
   If excess ammonium hydroxide is added, the precipitate of ammonium nitrate dissolves in it.
4. Reaction of Zinc Nitrate with Sodium Hydroxide
   Zinc hydroxide is precipitated when zinc nitrate reacts with sodium hydroxide. The chemical equation for the reaction can be given as,
   \({\text{2NaOH}}\left( {{\text{aq}}} \right){\text{ + Zn}}{\left( {{\text{N}}{{\text{O}}_{\text{3}}}} \right)_{\text{2}}}\left( {{\text{aq}}} \right) \to {\text{Zn}}{\left( {{\text{OH}}} \right)_{\text{2}}}\left( {\text{s}} \right){\text{ + 2NaN}}{{\text{O}}_{\text{3}}}\left( {{\text{aq}}} \right)\)
   In the above reaction, if excess sodium hydroxide is added, the precipitate of zinc hydroxide formed here will dissolve in it.

Uses of Zinc Nitrate

Some of the common uses of Zinc Nitrate are as follows:

1. In laboratories, zinc nitrate is used for the synthesis of coordination polymers.
2. The controlled decomposition of zinc nitrate into zinc oxide is used in the generation of various zinc oxide-based structures like including nanowires.
3. In dyeing, zinc nitrate is used as a mordant. For example, it is used in dyeing of acetate fibers.
4. Zinc nitrate is used in liquid fertiliser.
5. Zinc nitrate is used in several micronutrient formulations.
6. Zinc nitrate is an important chemical for the production of other related zinc chemicals.
7. Zinc nitrate is used in electroplating.
8. In metal and surface chemistry, zinc nitrate is used as a bleaching agent.

Summary

Zinc nitrate is an inorganic compound with the chemical formula \({\text{Zn}}{\left( {{\text{N}}{{\text{O}}_{\text{3}}}} \right)_{\text{2}}}.\) It is also known as zinc dinitrate. It is the zinc salt of acetic acid that contains zinc \(({\text{Z}}{{\text{n}}^{{\text{2 +}}}})\) ions and nitrate \(\left( {{\rm{NO}}_3^ – } \right)\) anions. Hence, is considered as an ionic compound. It can be prepared by the action of zinc metal with nitric acid. The other preparation methods, the physical and chemical properties and its several uses are given in this article.

FAQs on Zinc Nitrate

Q.1. What is the formula of zinc nitrate?
Ans: The chemical formula of zinc nitrate is \({\text{Zn}}{\left( {{\text{N}}{{\text{O}}_{\text{3}}}} \right)_{\text{2}}}.\) It is an ionic compound.

Q.2. How can we write the chemical formula of zinc nitrate?
Ans: The chemical formula of zinc nitrate can be derived using the criss-cross method. Zinc nitrate contains zinc \(({\text{Z}}{{\text{n}}^{{\text{2 + }}}})\) and nitrate \(\left( {{\rm{NO}}_3^ – } \right)\) radicals.  The valency of zinc radical is two and that of nitrate radical is one. By criss-crossing these valency numbers, the chemical formula of zinc nitrate is \({\text{Zn}}{\left( {{\text{N}}{{\text{O}}_{\text{3}}}} \right)_{\text{2}}}.\)

Q.3. What is zinc nitrate used for?
Ans: Zinc nitrate has no large commercial uses. However, it has got some uses. Zinc nitrate is used for the synthesis of coordination polymers, it is used in the generation of various zinc oxide-based structures including nanowires, used as a mordant, etc.

Q.4. What is the name for \({\text{Zn}}{\left( {{\text{N}}{{\text{O}}_{\text{3}}}} \right)_{\text{2}}}\)?
Ans: The chemical name of \({\text{Zn}}{\left( {{\text{N}}{{\text{O}}_{\text{3}}}} \right)_{\text{2}}}.\) is zinc nitrate. It is also known as zinc dinitrate.

Q.5. What happens when zinc nitrate crystals are heated?
Ans: When zinc nitrate crystals are heated, it decomposes to form zinc oxide, nitrogen dioxide and oxygen. The chemical equation for the reaction can be given as,
\({\text{2Zn}}{\left( {{\text{N}}{{\text{O}}_{\text{3}}}} \right)_{\text{2}}} \to {\text{2ZnO + 4N}}{{\text{O}}_{\text{2}}}{\text{ + }}{{\text{O}}_{\text{2}}}.\)

Q.6. List down the uses of Zinc Nitrate.
Ans: Some of the uses of Zinc Nitrate are as follows:
1. Zinc Nitrate is used for the synthesis of coordination polymers.
2. Zinc nitrate is used in liquid fertiliser.
3. Zinc nitrate is utilised in various micronutrient formulations.

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