Does Zinc React with Acetic and Phosphoric Acid?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers on whether zinc reacts with acetic acid (CH3COOH) and phosphoric acid (H3PO4), including inquiries about the corresponding chemical equations and the nature of the reactions involved.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Chemical reasoning
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions if zinc reacts with both acetic and phosphoric acid and expresses uncertainty about the chemical equations.
  • Another participant states that dropping zinc into an acid will liberate hydrogen, referencing standard electrode potentials to explain the oxidation of zinc and reduction of hydrogen ions.
  • A participant shares chemical equations for zinc reactions with silver nitrate and copper nitrate, seeking validation of their correctness.
  • One participant responds affirmatively to the balancing of the equations for zinc with silver nitrate and copper nitrate.
  • Another participant proposes specific equations for zinc reactions with acetic and phosphoric acid, asking for feedback on their accuracy.
  • A later reply suggests a minor adjustment to the proposed equation for acetic acid for consistency in notation.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

There is no consensus on the reactions of zinc with acetic and phosphoric acids, as participants express differing views on the correctness of the proposed chemical equations and the nature of the reactions.

Contextual Notes

Participants have not fully resolved the accuracy of the proposed chemical equations, and there may be assumptions regarding the conditions under which these reactions occur.

Soaring Crane
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Does zinc react with both acetic acid (CH3COOH) and phosphoric acid (H3PO4)? I can't figure out the chemical equations for them and am wondering if no reactions occur.

Thanks.
 
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Dropping a piece of Zn metal into an acid will cause the liberation of hydrogen.

The standard electrode (reduction) potential Eo of Zn, i.e.

Zn2+ + 2 e- --> Zn is -0.763 V

whereas the potential for hydrogen, the reference is 0.

2 H+ + 2 e- --> H2 ,

so zinc will be oxidized and H will be reduced, and the rate will be determined by the strength or concentration (pH) of the acid and the dissolution of the Zn.
 
Since I'm on the subject of zinc, did I balance/write these chemical equations properly?

Zn + 2AgNO3 --> 2Ag + Zn(NO3)2 (zinc with silver nitrate)

Zn + Cu(NO3)2 --> Cu + Zn(NO3)2 (zinc with copper nitrate)

Thanks.
 
Looks fine.
 
Are these chemical equations even remotely correct?

(zinc with acetic acid) Zn + 2CH3CO2H --> H2 + Zn(C2H3O2)2

(zinc with phosphoric acid) 3Zn + 2H3PO4 --> 3H2 + Zn3(PO4)2

Thanks.
 
Any volunteers?

Thanks.
 
Looks OK, although I would write Zn(CH3CO2)2 to be consistent on both sides of equation.
 
Last edited:

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