Joseph Neos C.

Cruz
Renz Carlo G. Evangelista
IV-Tau
1. Name and Symbol

Zinc; Zn2+

2. State how it is detected with corresponding reactions involved.

The confirmatory test of Zn2+:

If a yellow precipitate is formed when

two drops of 0.1 M K3Fe(CN)6 are added
to about five drops of the unknown
solution, then the presence of Zn 2+ is
confirmed.
Zn2+ (aq) + Fe(CN)63- (aq)
Zn3[Fe(CN)6]

(s) (yellow ppt)

However, Zn2+ can also react to various compounds that can produce
noticable products confirming the presence of Zn2+:

A white gelatinous precipitate of zinc hydroxide is formed when sodium

hydroxide solution if added in a solution with zinc ions.
Zn2+ (aq) + 2OH- (aq) Zn(OH)2 (s)

The precipitate is soluble in dilute acids and in excess sodium

hydroxide with the
formation of zincate [ZnO22- or Zn(OH)42-] which
makes it amphoteric.
Zn(OH)2
Zn(OH)2

(s)

(s)

+ 2H+

+ 2OH-

(aq)

(aq)

Zn2+

ZnO22-

(aq)

+ 2H2O

(aq)

(l)

+ 2H2O

(l)

When a solution with zinc ions is reacted with ammonia, a white

precipitate will form. However, this white precipitate is soluble in
excess aqueous ammonia to form a colorless solution.

Zn2+ (aq) + 2OH-(aq) Zn(OH)2 (aq) (white ppt)

Zn(OH)2 (aq) + 4NH3(aq) [Zn(NH3)4]2+ (aq)
2. Common sources of nature of the ion
Zinc is prevalently found in foods
especially in oysters that are rich in zinc. A
typical oyster weighing approximately one
ounce will contain about 8-9 milligrams of zinc;
thus, the consumption of two oysters would put
a person over the WHFoods (World's Healthiest
Foods) recommended daily amount of 11
milligrams. In addition to oysters, other shellfish
tend to be rich in this mineral, as are many
other animal foods.
It is also true that many nuts and seeds are rich in zinc. Sesame
seeds and pumpkin seeds are included in the Top 10 WHFoods sources for
this mineral. Elemental zinc makes up about 75 ppm of Earth's crust, making
it the 24th most abundant element. The element is normally found in
association with other base metals such as copper and lead in ores.
Moreover, zinc is a chalcophile or it has a low affinity for oxides and prefers
to bond with sulfides.
4. Applications of the ion
Metallic zinc is used in the production of alloys and in galvanizing to
protect steel structures. Other zinc compounds include the oxides (ZnO)
which are used in ceramics, rubber industries, and in ink production. Zinc
sulfates (ZnSO4) are used in textile industry and the treatment of zinc
deficiency in soils. Moreover, zinc chloride is used to preserve wood and as
deodorant in several fluids. This compound is also used in dry cells, and in
paint production.
5. Risks and Hazards connected to the ion
Zinc is a metal. It is called an essential trace element because very
small amounts of zinc are necessary for human health. However, excessive
intake of zinc an be harmful for the body. Zinc metal is a human skin irritant
and is a severe fire hazard, but it is considered as non-toxic. Many zinc
compounds are not very toxic but a few zinc salts may be carcinogenic, yet
the use of some zinc compounds is permitted around food. Moreover,

pollution from industrial smoke containing zin

may cause lung disease.

References:
Zinc. Whfoods.org. Retrieved March 15, 2015 from http://www.whfoods.com/genp age.php?
tname=nutrient&dbid=115
Group IIIB: (Zinc group) nickel, manganese, cobalt and zinc. Hishamezzat.
Retrieved
March
15,
2015
from
http://hishamezzat.weebly.com/uploads/9/0/6/0/9060375/chapter_5cation.pdf
Teoh, A. (2004). Confirmatory tests for cations and anions. Retrieved March 15, 2015 from
http:// alexteoh.com/2008qaions.pdf
Zinc:

biological information. Webelements. Retrieved

http://www.webelements.com/zinc/biology.html

March

15,

2015

from