Zn
65.380Zinc
Çinko
Zinc is a group 12 transition metal with atomic number 30. It is widely used for galvanizing steel, brass, batteries, zinc oxide products and nutrition, and Zn²⁺ is essential in enzymes and zinc finger proteins.
30
65.38 g/mol
[Ar] 3d¹⁰ 4s²
2 | 8 | 18 | 2
1.65
7.134 g/cm³
419.5 °C
906.9 °C
Andreas Sigismund Marggraf
Zinc compounds and brass were known in antiquity, and metallic zinc was produced in India before it became common in Europe. Andreas Sigismund Marggraf is often credited with isolating zinc in Europe in 1746.
Zinc-64
Natural abundance: About 49.17%. The most abundant naturally occurring zinc isotope.Zinc-66
Natural abundance: About 27.73%. Stable isotope of zinc.Zinc-67
Natural abundance: About 4.04%. Stable isotope used in NMR and isotope studies.Zinc-68
Natural abundance: About 18.45%. Stable isotope of zinc.Zinc-70
Natural abundance: About 0.61%. Rare naturally occurring zinc isotope.ZnO
Zinc OxideUsed in sunscreens, rubber, ceramics, pigments and skin-protective ointments.ZnS
Zinc SulfidePhosphor material used in luminescent applications and historical display technology.ZnCl₂
Zinc ChlorideUsed in soldering fluxes, batteries and chemical synthesis.ZnSO₄
Zinc SulfateUsed in fertilizers, supplements and zinc electroplating chemistry.Zn(OH)₂
Zinc HydroxideAmphoteric hydroxide that reacts with both acids and strong bases.- Galvanizing steel to protect iron from rust
- Brass and other zinc-containing alloys
- Zinc-carbon and alkaline batteries, where zinc acts as the anode
- Zinc oxide in sunscreens, rubber, ceramics and ointments
- Dietary supplements and medicines when zinc deficiency is a concern
Zinc is an essential trace element for humans, animals, plants and microorganisms. It supports many enzymes, immune function, wound healing, taste, smell and zinc finger proteins that regulate gene expression.
- Zinc protects galvanized steel by acting as a sacrificial metal before iron corrodes.
- Zinc has a filled 3d¹⁰ subshell and most commonly forms colorless Zn²⁺ compounds.
- Zinc finger proteins use Zn²⁺ to stabilize structures that bind DNA.
- Zinc oxide is valued because it blocks or scatters ultraviolet light in sunscreens.
- Zinc has atomic number 30 and belongs to group 12.
- Its electron configuration is [Ar] 3d¹⁰ 4s².
- Zinc most commonly forms Zn²⁺ and keeps a filled 3d¹⁰ configuration.
- Zn(OH)₂ is amphoteric, reacting with acids and with strong bases to form zincate species.
What is the atomic number of zinc?
The atomic number of zinc is 30.
What is the electron configuration of zinc?
Zinc has the electron configuration [Ar] 3d¹⁰ 4s².
What is zinc used for?
Zinc is used for galvanizing steel, brass, batteries, zinc oxide products, die casting, supplements and fertilizers.
Why is zinc used for galvanizing?
Zinc protects steel by forming a barrier coating and by acting as a sacrificial metal that corrodes before iron.
Why is zinc important in biology?
Zinc is required by many enzymes and zinc finger proteins, and it supports immune function, wound healing, taste and smell.
Is zinc hydroxide amphoteric?
Yes. Zinc hydroxide reacts with acids and also dissolves in strong bases to form zincate ions.