Zinc Hydroxide as Amphoteric Base with HCl

Zn(OH)₂ + 2HCl → ZnCl₂ + 2H₂O

Overview

Zinc hydroxide, like aluminum hydroxide, is amphoteric and dissolves in hydrochloric acid to form zinc chloride and water. The white gelatinous precipitate dissolves as the Zn²⁺ ions form. This behavior is used in qualitative analysis to distinguish zinc from non-amphoteric metal hydroxides.

Participants

Role	Substance	Coefficient	State
Reactant	Hydrochloric Acid HCl	2	(aq)
Product	Water H₂O	2	(l)

Everyday Example

Zinc chloride produced by this reaction is used in soldering flux and as an ingredient in some deodorants.

Industrial Importance

Zinc chloride is used as a flux in galvanizing, in batteries, as a catalyst in organic reactions, and in the vulcanization of rubber.

Properties

Type: Acid-Base
Reversible: No
Energy: Exothermic
ΔH: -110.0 kJ/mol

Related Reactions

Acetic Acid and Sodium Acetate Buffer System Acetic Acid and Sodium Hydroxide Neutralization Acetic Acid Dissociation in Water Aluminum Chloride and Chloride Ion (Lewis Acid-Base) Aluminum Hydroxide as Amphoteric Acid with NaOH Aluminum Hydroxide as Amphoteric Base with HCl Ammonia and Ammonium Chloride Buffer System Ammonia and Hydrochloric Acid Ascorbic Acid and Sodium Hydroxide Barium Hydroxide and Ammonium Thiocyanate (Endothermic)

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the equation for Zinc Hydroxide as Amphoteric Base with HCl?

The balanced equation is: Zn(OH)₂ + 2HCl → ZnCl₂ + 2H₂O.

What type of reaction is Zinc Hydroxide as Amphoteric Base with HCl?

Zinc Hydroxide as Amphoteric Base with HCl is a acid-base reaction.

Is Zinc Hydroxide as Amphoteric Base with HCl exothermic or endothermic?

Zinc Hydroxide as Amphoteric Base with HCl is exothermic (releases energy). The enthalpy change (ΔH) is -110.0 kJ/mol.