Name: Zinc Acetate
CAS No: Zinc acetate dihydrate [5970-45-6] , Zinc acetate anhydrous [557-34-6]
BP: Zinc Acetate PhEur: Zinc Acetate Dihydrate USP: Zinc Acetate
Acetic acid, zinc salt; dicarbomethoxy zinc; zinc acetas dihydricus; zinc (II) acetate; zinc diacetate; zinc ethanoate.
Zinc acetate dihydrate [5970-45-6] , Zinc acetate anhydrous [557-34-6]
C4H6O4Zn2H2O , 219.50 (for dihydrate) C4H6O4Zn ,183.47(for anhydrous)
Zinc acetate has been used as an excipient in a variety of pharmaceutical formulations including topical gels, lotions, and solutions, and subcutaneous injections. It has also been investigated for use in an oral controlled-release formulation for water-soluble drugs in combination with sodium alginate and xanthan gum.(1) Therapeutically, zinc acetate has been used in oral capsules for the treatment of Wilson’s disease.(2,3) Zinc acetate has also been demonstrated to be effective as a spermicide in vaginal contraceptives.(4
Zinc acetate occurs as white crystalline, lustrous plates with a faint acetic odor and an astringent taste.
See Table I.
Acidity/alkalinity pH = 6.0–8.0 (5% w/v aqueous solution of the dihydrate) Boiling point Decomposes. Melting point 2378C Solubility For the dihydrate, see Table II. Specific gravity 1.735
Zinc acetate loses water of hydration above 1008C. Zinc acetate should be stored in an airtight container in a cool, dry, place.
Zinc acetate is incompatible with oxidizing agents, zinc salts, alkalis and their carbonates, oxalates, phosphates, and sulfides.(5)
Zinc acetate is synthesized by reacting zinc oxide with glacial acetic acid, with subsequent crystallization, separation by centrifugation, and drying and milling of the crystals. No organic solvents are used during the synthesis.
Zinc acetate is used in topical pharmaceutical formulations and subcutaneous injections, where it is generally regarded as relatively nontoxic and nonirritant when used as an excipient. However, zinc acetate is poisonous by intravenous and intraperitoneal routes; it is also moderately toxic following oral consumption.(5) Zinc acetate: LD50 (rat, oral): 2.510 g/kg(5) LD50 (mouse, IP): 0.057 g/kg Zinc acetate dihydrate: LD50 (mouse, IP): 0.108 g/kg LD50 (mouse, oral): 0.287 g/kg LD50 (rat, IP): 0.162 g/kg LD50 (rat, oral): 0.794 g/kg
Observe normal precautions appropriate to the circumstances and quantity of material handled. Eye protection and gloves are recommended. When heated to decomposition, zinc acetate emits toxic fumes of zinc oxide.
Included in the FDA Inactive Ingredients Database (SC injections; topical lotions and solutions). Included in medicines licensed in the UK.
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A specification for zinc acetate is included in the Japanese Pharmaceutical Excipients (JPE).(6) Proprietary names for zinc acetate include Galzin (Teva Pharmaceuticals) and Wilzin (Orphan Europe (UK) Ltd). The EINECS number for zinc acetate is 209-170-2.