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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.
Thanks.
When zinc is placed in acetic acid, a weak acid, it will react by dissolving and producing zinc acetate and hydrogen gas. However, when placed in phosphoric acid, a strong acid, the reaction is much more vigorous and produces zinc phosphate, water, and hydrogen gas.
The chemical equation for the reaction between zinc and acetic acid is Zn + 2CH3COOH → Zn(CH3COO)2 + H2. The chemical equation for the reaction between zinc and phosphoric acid is Zn + 2H3PO4 → Zn3(PO4)2 + 3H2.
No, the reaction between zinc and acetic and phosphoric acid does not release any harmful substances. The only products of the reactions are zinc compounds and hydrogen gas, which are both safe.
Zinc is often used in the production of acetic and phosphoric acid as a catalyst to speed up the reaction. It also helps to regulate the pH level of the solutions.
No, zinc cannot completely dissolve in acetic and phosphoric acid. Some zinc will remain in solid form, while the rest will dissolve to form the products of the reaction.