Zinc sulfate heptahydrate is an inorganic compound with the chemical formula ZnSO4⋅7H2O. It is the heptahydrate form of zinc sulfate, meaning that each zinc sulfate unit is associated with seven water molecules. It is a colorless crystalline solid, often appearing as white granules or powder, and is also known informally as "white vitriol".
Common Uses:
Zinc sulfate heptahydrate has a wide range of applications across various industries:
- Medical:
- Dietary Supplement: Used to treat and prevent zinc deficiency, a crucial micronutrient for numerous bodily functions, including immune function, wound healing, and DNA synthesis.
- Oral Rehydration Therapy (ORT): Included in ORT solutions to treat dehydration, often associated with diarrhea.
- Astringent: Historically used for its astringent properties.
- Acne Treatment: Due to its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties, zinc sulfate is found in some topical acne treatments, helping to reduce inflammation and Cutibacterium acnes bacteria. It may also help regulate sebum production.
- Other Skin Conditions: Sometimes used to manage symptoms of rosacea, melasma, and other inflammatory skin conditions. It can aid in wound healing and reduce scarring.
- Dandruff Control: Found in some hair care products due to its ability to regulate oil production on the scalp and its antimicrobial properties.
- Oral Care: Used in some toothpastes and mouthwashes as an anti-plaque and oral hygiene agent.
- Industrial:
- Rayon Production: Used as a coagulant in the manufacturing of viscose rayon.
- Lithopone Pigment: A precursor in the production of lithopone, a white pigment used in paints, coatings, and plastics.
- Electroplating: Used as an electrolyte in zinc electroplating processes.
- Dyeing: Acts as a mordant to fix dyes onto fabrics.
- Leather Preservation: Used in the preservation of skins and leather.
- Catalysis: A precursor in creating heterogeneous catalysts for various industrial processes.
- Agricultural:
- Fertilizer: Used in agriculture as a source of zinc to correct zinc deficiency in plants, which is essential for growth, protein synthesis, and resistance to environmental stresses.
- Moss Control: Can be used to control moss growth on roofs and other surfaces.
- Brewing:
- Yeast Health: Added in small amounts to the brewing process to support optimal yeast health and performance, particularly in high-gravity beers.
Potential Skin Benefits:
- Anti-inflammatory: Can help calm redness and inflammation associated with various skin conditions.
- Wound Healing: Aids in the skin's natural healing processes and may minimize scarring.
- Sebum Regulation: May help control oil production in the skin, beneficial for acne-prone skin.
- Antimicrobial: Can inhibit the growth of bacteria on the skin, including acne-causing bacteria.
- Astringent: Helps to tighten skin pores.
- Antioxidant: May offer some protection against free radical damage.
