What is zinc acetate?
Zinc acetate is a type of salt with the formula Zn(CH3CO2)2, which usually exists as Zn(CH3CO2)2 · 2H2O dihydrate. Both the hydrated and anhydrous forms are colorless solids and are produced through the reaction between zinc oxide and acetic acid.
Considering that zinc is an essential element for the growth and development of the human body, zinc acetate can be used as a food supplement to treat zinc deficiency. It plays an important role in the synthesis of cholesterol, protein and fat.
Zinc acetate is a component of some medicines, for example, lozenges for the treatment of colds. Zinc acetate can also be used as a dietary supplement. As a daily oral supplement, it is used to inhibit the absorption of copper in the body as part of the treatment of Wilson's disease. Zinc acetate is also sold as an astringent in the form of an ointment, topical lotion, or combined with antibiotics such as erythromycin for the topical treatment of acne. It is usually sold as a topical anti-itch ointment.
Zinc acetate is also used as a catalyst for the industrial production of vinyl acetate from acetylene.
In the industry, it has various uses, including preserving wood, making other zinc salts as well as ethylene acetate, using it as a dye and analytical reagent.
