What happens when zinc sulfate is treated with excess of caustic potash solution ?
Sodium hydroxide reacts with metallic salts to form hydroxides which may be insoluble or dissolve in excess of NaOH to form salts of oxyacids. Some of the hydroxides decompose into insoluble oxides,
Zinc salt forms insoluble hydroxide with NaOH, which dissolves in excess of NaOH.
ZnSO4+2NaOH→Zn(OH)2↓+Na2SO4 white (insoluble)
Zn(OH)2+2NaOH→Na2ZnO2+2H2O sodium zincate (soluble)
The uses of Zinc are:
1. It is used for manufacturing like creating roofing materials or makingzinc oxide.
2. It is used for various purposes ranging from sunscreens to solar cells to nuclear reactors.
3. The metal helps in maintaining the balance of enzymes in the human body.
4. It is used as a white pigment for oil-based paints.
5. Zinc sulfide is used for making fluorescent lights, x-ray screens as well as luminous paints