Zinc chloride

Absorption

Zinc is approximately 33% orally bioavailable in humans but bioavailability can vary between patients and depending on current zinc levels. Further data regarding the pharmacokinetics of zinc chloride are not readily available.

Toxicity

Patients experiencing and overdose may present with hypotension, pulmonary edema, diarrhea, vomiting, jaundice, and oligouria. Overdose can be managed through symptomatic and supportive treatment which may include sodium calcium edetate and analgesics.
The oral LD50 in mice is 329 mg/kg and in rats is 350 mg/kg.

Description

Zinc chloride is a white deliquescent salt. It forms acidic solutions in water and in polar organic solvents such as ethanol, acetone, and ether. Anhydrous zinc chloride hydrolyzes with moisture to form hydrochloric acid. It also forms complex ions with water, ammonia, and some organic solvents. Zinc chloride reacts with sulphide to minimise release of H2S gas in waste treatment facilities. Zinc chloride 50% solution also serves as a high-quality mercerising agent for cotton. Zinc chloride is incompatible with strong oxidising agents, moisture, cyanides, sulphides, and potassium.

The Uses of Zinc chloride

Zinc chloride is used as a wood preservative and in fireproofing timber. Other uses are as a deodorant in disinfecting fluids; in dental cements; in electroplating; in etching metals and glass; as flux for soldering; as a mordant in printing and dyeing textiles; in making dry batteries; in denaturing alcohols; in vulcanizing rubber; in manufacturing parchment; in making artificial silk; in making activated carbon and cold-water glues; and in refining petroleum. Also, zinc chloride is used as a dehydrating and condensing agent in organic syntheses. In medicine it is used as an astringent and antiseptic.

Background

Zinc chloride is a solution of ions indicated for use in total parenteral nutrition to maintain zinc levels and prevent deficiency syndromes.
Zinc chloride was granted FDA approval before 26 June 1986.

Indications

Zinc chloride injections are indicated for use total parenteral nutrition to maintain zinc serum levels and prevent deficiency syndromes.

What are the applications of Application

Zinc chloride is a lewis acid used to catalyze the Fischer Indole synthesis an the Friedel-Crafts acylation reactions

Pharmacokinetics

Zinc is a cofactor in many enzymes and mediates a number of catalytic, structural, and regulatory roles in the body. It has a wide therapeutic index and long duration of action, as most zinc in the body is reabsorbed. Patients should be counselled regarding the risk of administration in patients with severe kidney dysfunction.

Metabolism

Zinc chloride dissociates into ions in vivo and does not undergo further metabolism.