Zinc chloride

Zinc chloride is an inorganic salt with formula ZnCl₂. Its strong affinity for water and ability to dissolve cellulose and metal oxides underlie several industrial uses.

Soldering: A process that joins metal parts by melting a filler metal without melting the parts themselves. Zinc chloride flux removes oxides from metal surfaces during soldering.
Lewis acid: A chemical species that accepts an electron pair to form a covalent bond. Zinc chloride accepts electron pairs, accounting for its catalytic action in many reactions.
Zinc: A chemical element with symbol Zn and atomic number 30, commonly found in the +2 oxidation state. Zinc supplies the divalent cation in zinc chloride.
Zinc bromide: An inorganic zinc salt with formula ZnBr₂, used in chemical synthesis and dense aqueous fluids. Replacing chloride with bromide changes solubility and reactivity while preserving zinc’s +2 state.
Corrosion: The deterioration of a material through chemical or electrochemical reaction with its environment. Zinc chloride solutions and residues can corrode metals and equipment.
Dry cell: An electrochemical cell whose electrolyte is immobilized in a paste or gel rather than freely flowing. Zinc chloride serves as the electrolyte in some zinc–carbon dry cells.
Hygroscopy: The tendency of a substance to absorb moisture from its surroundings. Zinc chloride is strongly hygroscopic and can deliquesce in humid air.
Chloride: The negatively charged chlorine ion, Cl⁻, formed when chlorine gains an electron. Two chloride ions balance each Zn²⁺ ion in the compound’s formula.
Zinc sulfate: An inorganic zinc salt with formula ZnSO₄, used in fertilizers, supplements, and industrial processes. Unlike zinc chloride, zinc sulfate is a common source of zinc in agriculture and nutrition.
Chemical burn: Tissue damage caused by contact with a corrosive or otherwise harmful chemical. Concentrated zinc chloride is corrosive and can cause severe skin and eye injury.

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