Zinc carbonate consists of white crystals which are insoluble in water but soluble in alkalis and numerous other acids. Basically, zinc carbonate is used for the production of creams and ointments.

In this post, we will introduce you in detail to all the components properties and uses of this chemical material.

Introduction

Zinc Carbonate is a colourless or white solid that is found in nature forming the Smithsonite mineral, in which it can be alone or with other elements such as cobalt or copper, which give it violet or green colour respectively. ZnCO₃ is almost insoluble in water, but it dissolves easily in dilute acids since the carbonate ion in an acidic medium forms carbonic acid (H₂CO₃), which is then converted into CO₂ gas and water. It is used as an antiseptic in animal wounds and is sometimes supplied in the diet to avoid diseases caused by zinc deficiency. It serves to delay the burning of certain fibres, plastics and rubber when they come into contact with the fire. It allows the separation of toxic arsenic minerals from other rocks safely. It has been used in toothpaste to recover dentin in teeth that have been whitening.

Structure of Zinc Carbonate

ZnCO₃ consists of a Zn 2+ cation and a CO₃ 2- anion. The carbon in the carbonate ion has an oxidation state of +4. This ion has a flat structure with the three oxygen atoms surrounding the carbon atom.

Production of Zinc Carbonate

Generally, it is formed as a secondary mineral in Zinc mining deposits, for the Zinc carbonate to form these deposits must present oxidation zones. It can also be found in sedimentary deposits and directly oxidized products.

It is obtained by grinding the Smithsonite mineral, formerly called zinc spar.

It can also be prepared by mixing a sodium carbonate solution with zinc salt, such as zinc sulfate. Sodium sulfate remains dissolved, and zinc carbonate precipitates:

ZnSO₄ + Na₂CO₃ → ZnCO₃ + Na₂SO₄

Properties of Zinc Carbonate

The main properties of Zinc Carbonate given below:

• Molecular weight: 125.4 g/mol
• Physical state: Colorless solid or crystalline white. Rhombic crystals.
• Melting point: At 140 ºC it decomposes without melting.
• Solubility: Practically insoluble in water: 0.000091 g/100 g of H₂O at 20 °C. Soluble in dilute acids, alkalis and ammonium salt solutions. Insoluble in ammonia, alcohol and acetone.
• Density: 4.398 g/cm³ at 20 °C.

Chemical Properties of Zinc Carbonate

It reacts with acids to form carbon dioxide:

ZnCO₃ + 2H⁺ → Zn²⁺ + H₂O + CO₂

It dissolves in bases forming the hydroxide, which partially dissolves forming a zincate ion:

ZnCO₃ + 2OH^- → Zn(OH)₂ + CO₃^2-

Zn(OH)₂ + H₂O + OH → [Zn(OH)₃(H2O)]

It is not flammable. When heated to decomposition, it produces zinc oxide and carbon dioxide but can emit carbon monoxide (CO).

ZnCO₃ + heat → ZnO + CO₂

Advantages of Zinc Carbonate

• Zinc carbonate processes are highly environmentally friendly and efficient, due to its low content of heavy metals (5PPM or less). Guaranteeing environmental protection, and additionally, benefits in economic terms.
• Through production equipment, zinc carbonate can be efficiently worked with materials such as stainless steel and copper, guaranteeing that the products do not contain impurities when they go to the market.
• The hot air drying method can be used in order to ensure that the products do not contain uniformities when drying. The products in this range will have good fluidity, highly uniform fineness and specific high surfaces.

To get more information about Zinc Carbonate (ZnCO3),

you can read our blog post here.

Applications of Zinc Carbonate

Zinc Carbonate has a lot of applications. The main ones are listed below:

In Veterinary Applications

It serves as an astringent, antiseptic, and topical wound protector in animals.

It also helps prevent diseases caused by zinc deficiency, which is why it is used as a supplement in the diet of some animals, provided that the amounts administered are within the standards established by health organizations.

Zinc carbonate is sometimes administered as a micronutrient to prevent disease in animals.

In Medical Treatments

This compound allows for obtaining some pharmaceutical products. It is applied to inflamed skin in the form of a powder or lotion.

As a Flame Retardant

It is used as a fireproof filler for rubbers and plastics that are exposed to high temperatures.

It protects textile fibres from fire. In the case of cotton textiles, it is applied to the fabric along with some alkali. This directly attacks the primary hydroxyl groups (–CH₂OH) of the cellulose and converts them into sodium cellulose (–CH₂ONa).

The breakdown of cellulose bonds by the alkali favours a greater penetrability of the chains of the compact cellulosic structure, which is why more ZnCO₃ manages to enter the amorphous zone of this, and its dispersion is facilitated.

Some cotton fabrics may contain ZnCO₃ in their fibres to make them fire-resistant. As a result, the amount of flammable gas that could be produced by fire is reduced.

To Separate Dangerous Minerals from Arsenic

Methods of separating arsenic minerals from sulfide rocks (such as galena, chalcopyrite, and pyrite) have been tested using ZnCO₃. The mineral-rich in arsenic must be separated from the others because this element is a very toxic and poisonous pollutant for living beings.

To achieve this, the mixture of the ground rocks is treated with a solution of zinc sulfate and sodium carbonate at a pH of 7.5-9.0 and a xanthate compound.

The effectiveness of the formula is attributed to the formation of small ZnCO₃ particles on the surface of the arsenopyrite, making it hydrophilic (related to water), so it cannot adhere to air bubbles and cannot float, precipitating and separating of the other minerals.

In Dental Treatments

Certain toothpaste based on zinc carbonate and hydroxyapatite nanocrystals are applied regularly to the denture. It reduces hypersensitivity more effectively than those based on fluorine.

ZnCO₃ and hydroxyapatite nanocrystals have a size, shape, chemical composition and crystallinity similar to that of dentin so that the dentinal tubules can be closed with the application of these materials.

ZnCO₃ -hydroxyapatite nanoparticles have been successfully tested to decrease sensitivity in whitened teeth. This type of toothpaste is useful after teeth whitening processes.

In Obtaining other Zinc Compounds

Zinc carbonate has been used to obtain hydrophobic zinc borate nanostructures of the formula 3ZnO.3B₂O₃.3.5H₂O. This material can be used as a flame retardant additive in polymers, wood and textiles.

If you are interested in the applications of battery equipments,

you can read our blog post here.

In The Recovery of Zinc from Residual Effluents

Synthetic waters rich in zinc ions discarded by electroplating processes can be treated by fluidized bed technology using sodium carbonate to precipitate ZnCO₃.

By precipitating the Zn²⁺ in the form of the carbonate, its concentration decreases, the solid obtained is filtered, and the waters can be disposed of safely. The precipitated ZnCO₃is of high purity.

Other Uses

• It allows for preparing other zinc compounds. It is used in cosmetics. It serves as a pigment and is used in the manufacture of porcelain, ceramics and pottery.

• They are usually applied to products that contain transparent gums and EVA-type foaming agents with refraction indices similar to rubber.
• Regarding branches of medicines, some components of
  Zinc carbonate is usually applied in treatments for patients with skin problems.
• They are applied in light and astringent latex products. Carbonate is also used as a raw material for the production of rayon, a compound used in the field of chemical fertilizers and pesticides. Furthermore, Zinc carbonate is also used in the production of some catalysts.
• Zinc carbonate is a chemical that reacts with H₂S to form the ZnS, a more stable and soluble component used to process oil drilling—allowing that at the moment of sludge suspension, no other component is affected after the addition of carbonate in the sludge. This component serves to remove most of the H₂S contamination and corrosion during this process.
• It eliminates traces of sulfur found in oil and gas wells.
• It also acts as a corrosion inhibitor.
• Zinc carbonate components are also applied for the creation and production of rubber soles, products that are made with plastic rubbers, rubber plates,
  tires of all kinds (especially those for motorcycles), belts, elastic bands, accessories for pipes, Zinc stearate, ZPT, among other materials.

Protection

Wash your hands

After handling this substance, wash your hands with plenty of water. Take off contaminated clothing and sterilize them before reuse. During the handling of the substance, it is recommended to use a ventilation source to avoid accidents.

Protection

For the eyes use specialized chemical safety goggles. For the skin, it is recommended to use specialized suits for skin protection and hand gloves.

Storage

Store this substance in tightly sealed or tightly closed containers that the place is highly dry and avoids humidity or extreme heat.

Liquid Spills

If the substance spills, it is recommended to clean the spilled areas with water, then dry and apply a cleaning product or disinfectant to the floor.

Respirator

It is important that the place where this substance is handled is equipped with respirators for workers in the event of a leak or fire emergency.

First Aid in Case of Misuse of Zinc Carbonate

When it is by inhalation

Take the intoxicated person to a place with fresh air as soon as possible. If the person does not breathe, apply CPR or oxygen, if available. Call an ambulance for the patient to receive immediate medical attention.

When it is by Intake

If the person who swallowed the zinc carbonate is conscious, give him 2 or 4 cups of milk or water. If the person is passed out or unconscious, call an ambulance for immediate medical attention.

Zinc Carbonate poisoning in the eyes

Flush the affected person's eyes with plenty of water for approximately 15 minutes, lifting the victim's upper and lower eyelids from time to time.

Zinc Carbonate poisoning on the skin

Apply neutral soap with plenty of water to the irritated areas and take the person to a health centre for treatment.

Conclusion

Thus, Zinc carbonate is an inorganic compound consisting of the elements zinc (Zn), carbon (C) and oxygen (O). Its chemical formula is ZnCO₃. Zinc has an oxidation state of +2, carbon +4 and oxygen -2. It has many important applications found in medical, textile, and various other fields.

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References

https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/pharmacology-toxicology-and-pharmaceutical-science/zinc-carbonate

http://www.docbrown.info/chemicals/ZnCO3.htm

https://byjus.com/chemistry/zinc-carbonate/

https://sciencing.com/uses-zinc-carbonate-7889200.html