Zinc Sulfate & Sodium Phosphate
Zinc sulfate and sodium phosphate are chemical compounds that, when combined in solution, react with each other, swapping ion components. The resultant compounds are the water-soluble sodium sulfate and the water insoluble zinc phosphate. Zinc phosphate has special uses.
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The Reaction
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The chemical reaction may be written:
3 ZnSO4 + 2 Na3PO4 ---> 3 Na2SO4 + Zn3(PO4)2On the left-hand side of the equation, both substances are water-soluble, as is the sodium sulfate listed on the right-hand side. However, the zinc phosphate, Zn3(PO4)2, is water insoluble, that is it settles out of solution.
Sources
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Zinc sulfate as the heptahydrate is known as Goslarite, a mineral occurring in nature. A common way to prepare the compound is by the interaction of zinc with sulfuric acid. Phosphate rock (calcium phosphate) can be combined with sodium hydroxide and produces sodium phosphate, or there are other ways to derive this compound.
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Major Sodium Sulfate Uses
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The commercial usefulness of any reaction may be evaluated in terms of product worth. One of the products of this reaction is sodium sulfate. The Mineral Information Institute says sodium sulfate is of great importance in the manufacture of soaps, detergents, textiles, paper, pulp and glass.
Secondary Sodium Sulfate Uses
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In the dyeing of fibers, sodium sulfate lessens the lack of uniformity resulting from interference by molecular electrical charges. The chemical is also used in feed supplements, printing inks and veterinary medicines.
Major Zinc Phosphate Uses
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The product of greater importance in the reaction under consideration is zinc phosphate, since there are many satisfactory sources of sodium sulfate. Since zinc phosphate is insoluble, it is easy to separate and purify. Zinc phosphate coatings, applied to iron and other metal substrates, has many useful properties. It improves paint adhesion and reduces corrosion.
Secondary Zinc Phosphate Uses
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Zinc phosphate is anti-reflective, and may be applied to bearing surfaces as a thin, protective “break-in” coating. When finely ground, zinc phosphate makes a useful soil amendment for needed zinc and phosphorous. Zinc phosphate dental cements possess anti-bacterial properties.
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