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Zinc acetate dihydrate (Zn(CH₃COO)₂·2H₂O, CAS 5970-45-6) is a white crystalline powder with broad utility across chemical synthesis, food fortification, textiles, animal nutrition, and industrial catalysis. As the most common commercial form of zinc acetate, the dihydrate contains two water molecules of crystallization and offers superior stability and handling compared to the anhydrous variant (CAS 557-34-6).
With the E number E650, it is approved as a food additive and dietary zinc source by the FDA, EFSA, and Codex Alimentarius.
Parameter | Value |
CAS Number | 5970-45-6 (dihydrate) / 557-34-6 (anhydrous) |
Molecular Formula | Zn(CH₃COO)₂·2H₂O |
Molecular Weight | 219.53 g/mol |
E Number | E650 |
Appearance | White crystalline powder or granules |
Solubility in Water | 43 g/100 mL (20°C) — freely soluble |
Solubility in Ethanol | Slightly soluble |
Density | 1.735 g/cm³ |
Melting Point | 237°C (decomposes, loses water of crystallization at ~100°C) |
pH (5% aqueous solution) | 6.0–8.0 |
Odor | Odorless (slight acetic acid odor upon decomposition) |
Stability | Stable under normal conditions; hygroscopic |
Zinc acetate dihydrate crystallizes in a monoclinic structure where each zinc ion is octahedrally coordinated by four acetate oxygen atoms and two water molecules. Upon heating:
~100°C: Loses water of crystallization, converting to anhydrous zinc acetate
~237°C: Decomposes, releasing acetic acid and forming zinc oxide (ZnO)
This thermal decomposition pathway makes zinc acetate dihydrate a preferred precursor for producing high-purity zinc oxide nanoparticles and thin films in materials science applications.
Unlike many zinc salts that have limited water solubility, zinc acetate dihydrate is freely soluble in water (43 g/100 mL at 20°C) and also dissolves in dilute acetic acid and ammonia solution. This high aqueous solubility makes it a preferred choice for liquid formulations and applications requiring rapid dissolution.
Key advantage for formulators: Zinc acetate dihydrate dissociates completely in aqueous media, ensuring consistent performance in food fortification, feed premixes, and industrial solution formulations.
The dominant commercial production method involves the reaction of zinc oxide (ZnO) or metallic zinc with glacial acetic acid:
ZnO + 2CH₃COOH + H₂O → Zn(CH₃COO)₂·2H₂O
The process follows a controlled multi-step workflow:
Raw material preparation : High-purity zinc oxide (≥99.5%) and glacial acetic acid (≥99.5%)
Reaction: ZnO is gradually added to heated acetic acid solution under controlled agitation at 60–80°C
Filtration : The reaction mixture passes through fine filtration to remove unreacted solids and insoluble impurities
Crystallization : The filtrate is concentrated under vacuum and cooled to crystallize the dihydrate
Centrifugation & washing: Crystals are separated and washed with cold deionized water
Drying: Low-temperature drying (≤60°C) preserves the dihydrate crystal form
Milling & sieving : Final product is milled to target particle size distribution
Packaging : Vacuum-sealed in PE-lined fiber drums or kraft paper bags (25 kg standard)
Stage | Test Parameter | Typical Specification |
Raw ZnO | Purity | ≥99.7% |
Reaction | pH endpoint | 5.5–6.5 |
Crystallization | Crystal size distribution | D50: 100–300 μm |
Final product | Assay (Zn content) | 99.0%–101.0% |
Final product | Heavy metals (as Pb) | ≤10 ppm |
Final product | Iron (Fe) | ≤5 ppm |
Final product | Chloride (Cl) | ≤50 ppm |
Final product | Sulfate (SO₄) | ≤50 ppm |
As a permitted food additive (E650), zinc acetate dihydrate is used in:
● Food fortification (cereals, dairy products, beverages)
● Infant formula enrichment
● Sports nutrition products
Precursor for ZnO nanomaterials: Thermal decomposition yields high-surface-area ZnO for sensors, solar cells, and photocatalysts.
Catalyst in organic synthesis: Transesterification, polyesterification, and vinyl acetate polymerization.
Coordination chemistry: Synthesis of zinc-organic frameworks (Zn-MOFs) and layered Zn-arylphosphonates for ion exchange and sorption.
Mordant in dyeing: Fixes dyes to natural and synthetic fibers, improving wash fastness
Leather tanning auxiliary: Enhances chrome uptake in leather processing
Animal feed zinc supplement: Corrects zinc deficiency in livestock and poultry
Foliar fertilizer component: Water-soluble zinc source for crop nutrition
Wood preservative formulations: Fungicidal and insecticidal properties
● Ceramic glaze manufacturing
● Production of zinc soaps and lubricating greases
● Electroplating bath additive
● Cross-linking agent in polymer production
Zinc acetate dihydrate is available in multiple purity grades tailored to different end-use requirements:
Grade | Purity (Assay) | Key Specifications | Typical Applications |
Food Grade (FCC/E650) | ≥99.0% | Compliant with FCC monographs, low heavy metals | Dietary supplements, food fortification, infant formula |
ACS Reagent Grade | ≥98.0% | Insoluble matter ≤0.005%, Cl ≤0.001%, SO₄ ≤0.01% | Laboratory use, analytical chemistry, research |
Technical / Industrial Grade | ≥98.0% | Standard heavy metal limits, suitable particle size | Textiles, leather, ceramics, wood preservation |
High Purity / Electronic Grade | ≥99.99% (4N) | Ultra-low trace metals, controlled particle morphology | ZnO thin films, semiconductors, advanced materials |
Feed Grade | ≥98.0% | Compliant with feed additive regulations | Animal nutrition, premix formulations |
Safety, Handling & Storage
Zinc acetate dihydrate is classified as a low-toxicity substance. However, standard industrial hygiene practices apply:
Hazard Type | Classification | Precaution |
Acute oral toxicity | Category 4 (harmful if swallowed) | Do not eat, drink, or smoke in handling areas |
Eye irritation | Category 2A (causes serious eye irritation) | Wear safety goggles |
Skin irritation | Category 2 (causes skin irritation) | Wear chemical-resistant gloves |
Aquatic toxicity | Category 1 (very toxic to aquatic life) | Prevent release to waterways |
● Store in acool, dry, well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight
● Keep containerstightly sealed— the product is hygroscopic
● Avoid contact with strong oxidizing agents and strong bases
● Recommended storage temperature:15–25°C
● Shelf life:24 months from date of manufacture when stored properly
● Package: 25 kg PE-lined kraft paper bags or fiber drums; supersacks available for bulk orders
Exposure Route | Immediate Action |
Inhalation | Move to fresh air; seek medical attention if symptoms persist |
Skin contact | Wash thoroughly with soap and water; remove contaminated clothing |
Eye contact | Rinse cautiously with water for at least 15 minutes; seek medical attention |
Ingestion | Rinse mouth; do NOT induce vomiting; seek medical attention immediately |
The zinc acetate dihydrate market is experiencing structural growth driven by multiple converging trends:
Food fortification expansion: Growing global demand for zinc-fortified foods and clean-label ingredients drives food-grade demand across Asia-Pacific and Africa
Clean-label movement: E650 approval and consumer preference for recognizable ingredients boost food-grade applications
Nanotechnology growth: ZnO nanoparticle production for UV-blocking coatings, sensors, and energy applications is a rapidly expanding segment
Animal nutrition: Increasing meat consumption in developing economies drives feed-grade zinc supplementation
Region | Market Share (2025 est.) | Growth Driver |
Asia-Pacific | ~42% | Dominant manufacturing base; China is largest producer and exporter |
North America | ~25% | Strong food fortification and dietary supplement demand |
Europe | ~20% | Food fortification regulations and industrial applications |
Rest of World | ~13% | Emerging agricultural and industrial applications |
Zinc acetate dihydrate contains two water molecules of crystallization per formula unit, while the anhydrous form does not. The dihydrate (MW 219.53) is the more common commercial form because it is more stable during storage and handling. The anhydrous form (MW 183.48) is hygroscopic and will gradually absorb moisture from the air. Most industrial applications use the dihydrate; if your formulation requires the anhydrous form, it can be obtained by drying the dihydrate at ~100°C.
Yes. At 20°C, approximately 43 grams dissolve in 100 mL of water, making it freely soluble. This is significantly higher than zinc oxide or zinc carbonate, which is why zinc acetate is preferred for liquid formulations and where rapid dissolution is required.
24 months when stored in original sealed packaging at 15–25°C in a dry environment. After opening, re-seal tightly to prevent moisture absorption.
Yes. It has the E number E650 and is approved as a food additive by the FDA, EFSA, and Codex Alimentarius. Food-grade material must comply with FCC (Food Chemicals Codex) specifications.
Standard packaging is 25 kg per PE-lined kraft paper bag or fiber drum, typically palletized at 40 bags (1,000 kg) per pallet. MOQ varies by supplier, but 1 FCL (20–27 metric tons) is standard for international sea freight. Smaller quantities may be available by LCL or air freight at higher per-kg cost.
Store at 15–25°C in a dry, well-ventilated area. Keep containers tightly sealed when not in use. Avoid proximity to strong oxidizing agents and strong bases. The product is hygroscopic — exposure to humid air can cause caking.
No. It is not classified as dangerous goods under IMDG, IATA, or ADR/RID regulations for transport. Standard shipping documentation (COA, MSDS, commercial invoice, packing list) is sufficient.
Jinan Boss Chem Co., Ltd. is a trusted supplier of high-purity zinc acetate dihydrate (CAS 5970-45-6), serving food, feed, and industrial customers across more than 30 countries. Our product portfolio includes:
Food Grade(FCC/E650)
Feed Grade
Industrial / Technical Grade
What sets us apart:
Consistent quality: Every batch ships with a full Certificate of Analysis including heavy metal and impurity profiles
Flexible supply: From sample quantities to full container loads (FCL), with air and sea freight options
Technical expertise: In-house QC laboratory with ICP-OES for trace metal analysis
Regulatory support: REACH registration assistance, MSDS in multiple languages, and documentation for customs clearance
Competitive pricing: Direct manufacturer supply chain with transparent pricing and stable lead times
Request a quotation or free sample today.
Website: [bosschemical.com] Email: [sales001@bosschemical.com] Product: Zinc Acetate Dihydrate | CAS 5970-45-6 | E650
