Here is a comprehensive overview of the properties of Zinc Sulphate (ZnSO₄), an important inorganic compound used across industries such as agriculture, medicine, chemical synthesis, and water treatment. 🧪 Zinc Sulphate (ZnSO₄) – Detailed Properties 🔹 1. Basic Information Property Value Chemical Name Zinc Sulphate Chemical Formula ZnSO₄ Common Forms Zinc sulphate monohydrate (ZnSO₄·H₂O), heptahydrate (ZnSO₄·7H₂O) Molar Mass 161.47 g/mol (anhydrous) 179.45 g/mol (monohydrate) 287.54 g/mol (heptahydrate) CAS Number 7733-02-0 🔹 2. Physical Properties Property Description Appearance White crystalline powder or colorless crystals Odor Odorless Taste Astringent, metallic Density 3.54 g/cm³ (anhydrous) 2.07 g/cm³ (heptahydrate) Melting Point 680°C (anhydrous, decomposes) Boiling Point Decomposes before boiling Solubility in Water Highly soluble (~57.7 g/100 mL at 20°C for heptahydrate) Solubility in Alcohol Slightly soluble Color White or transparent crystals Crystal System Orthorhombic or monoclinic (depends on hydration) 🔹 3. Chemical Properties Property Description Nature Inorganic salt, acidic in aqueous solution pH of Solution Around 4–5 (5% solution) Decomposition On heating, hydrates lose water; at high temperatures, decomposes to ZnO and SO₃ Reactivity Reacts with bases to form zinc hydroxide, and with carbonates to form zinc carbonate Corrosiveness Mildly corrosive to metals in moist air Oxidizing/Reducing Neither a strong oxidizer nor reducer 🔹 4. Hydrated Forms Form Chemical Formula Description Anhydrous ZnSO₄ Rare in nature, industrially prepared Monohydrate ZnSO₄·H₂O Most common commercial grade Heptahydrate ZnSO₄·7H₂O Known as 'white vitriol'; naturally occurs as mineral goslarite 🔹 5. Applications Industry Application Agriculture Micronutrient fertilizer (Zn source for crops), corrects zinc deficiency Animal Feed Added to animal feed as zinc supplement Pharmaceuticals Treats zinc deficiency, used in lozenges and skin ointments Water Treatment Used to control algae in water reservoirs and sewage treatment Electroplating Zinc electrolyte in plating baths Chemical Industry Intermediate in production of other zinc compounds Dyeing/Textile Mordant in dyeing processes 🔹 Biological & Health Properties Aspect Description Essential Mineral Provides dietary zinc – important for immune function, wound healing, enzyme function Toxicity Safe in small doses; excessive intake can cause nausea, vomiting, and stomach cramps Irritation Dust or concentrated solutions may irritate eyes, skin, and respiratory tract 🔹 Environmental Behavior Property Description Solubility Highly water soluble – may leach into groundwater Toxic to Aquatic Life In high concentrations; must be controlled in industrial effluents Biodegradability Inorganic – not biodegradable, but naturally occurring elements are recycled in soil/water systems 🔹 Storage & Handling Guideline Description Storage Store in cool, dry place, in tightly sealed containers Compatibility Avoid contact with strong oxidizers and alkalis Safety Measures Use gloves and goggles when handling industrial-grade zinc sulphate ✅ Summary Highlights Zinc sulphate is a white, water-soluble salt used in agriculture, health, and industry. Commonly used forms are monohydrate and heptahydrate. Plays a vital biological role as a micronutrient in humans, animals, and plants. Also used in electroplating, water purification, and medicine.