Zinc Element Properties
Complete reference for zinc (Zn, element 30): atomic data, electron configuration, isotopes, physical constants, oxidation states, and a property unit converter.
Zinc
Post-transition Metal — Period 4, Group 12
Atomic Identity
Periodic Table Locator — Period 4 Neighborhood (d-block / p-block border)
Zinc (Z=30) sits at the end of the d-block in Period 4, between copper (Z=29) and gallium (Z=31) where the p-block begins. It is directly above cadmium (Z=48) and mercury (Z=80) in Group 12, forming the volatile-metal triad with its heavier congeners.
Electron Configuration
Both 3d and 4s fully filled — standard Aufbau order
Key Isotopes of Zinc
| Isotope | Symbol | Protons | Neutrons | Mass (u) | Abundance | Stability |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Zinc-64 | ⁶⁴Zn | 30 | 34 | 63.9291420 | 48.6% | Stable |
| Zinc-65 | ⁶⁵Zn | 30 | 35 | 64.9292204 | Radioactive |
Unstable
EC/β⁺; t½ = 243.93 d — radiotracer for biological Zn studies |
| Zinc-66 | ⁶⁶Zn | 30 | 36 | 65.9260334 | 27.9% | Stable |
| Zinc-67 | ⁶⁷Zn | 30 | 37 | 66.9271273 | 4.1% | Stable |
| Zinc-68 | ⁶⁸Zn | 30 | 38 | 67.9248442 | 18.8% | Stable |
| Zinc-70 | ⁷⁰Zn | 30 | 40 | 69.9253193 | 0.6% | Stable |
Zinc has five stable isotopes (Zn-64, 66, 67, 68, 70), making it one of the elements with the most stable isotopes. Zn-64 is the most abundant at 48.6%. Zn-65 is an important radiotracer used to study zinc metabolism in plants, animals, and humans. The wide spread of stable isotopes is exploited in isotope dilution mass spectrometry for precise zinc quantification in environmental and biological samples.
Physical Properties
Chemical Properties
Oxidation States of Zinc
| State | Ion / Form | Example Compound | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | Zn⁰ | Zn metal, organozinc compounds | Native zinc; Grignard-type organometallics |
| +1 | Zn⁺ (Zn₂²⁺) | Zn₂(AlCl₄)₂ (rare) | Dimeric Zn(I) species in ionic liquids; highly unstable |
| +2 | Zn²⁺ (zinc) | ZnO, ZnS, ZnCl₂, ZnSO₄, Zn(OH)₂ | Overwhelmingly dominant oxidation state in all common chemistry |
Ground State Quantum Numbers
Notable Emission Lines
In a flame test, zinc produces a blue-green flame. The 213.86 nm UV resonance line is the primary line used in atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS) for zinc determination in water, soil, and food samples. Zinc spectral lines are widely used in analytical chemistry due to zinc's importance as an environmental and nutritional tracer.
Property Unit Converter
Convert common zinc property values between units. Enter a value and select the conversion.
Common Zinc Compounds
| Compound | Formula | Common Name | Key Uses |
|---|---|---|---|
| Zinc oxide | ZnO | Zinc white / calamine | Sunscreen, rubber vulcanization, pigment, LED phosphors, anti-dandruff shampoo |
| Zinc sulfide | ZnS | Sphalerite (ore mineral) | Luminescent materials, photocatalysis, phosphor in CRT screens |
| Zinc sulfate | ZnSO₄·7H₂O | White vitriol | Fertilizer additive, rayon manufacture, electrolyte in Zn electroplating |
| Zinc chloride | ZnCl₂ | Zinc butter | Flux for soldering, textile treating, wood preservative, Lewis acid catalyst |
| Zinc carbonate | ZnCO₃ | Smithsonite (ore) | Zinc ore source, mild antiseptic, calamine lotion ingredient |
| Zinc hydroxide | Zn(OH)₂ | Zinc hydroxide | Precursor to ZnO, amphoteric — dissolves in acid and base |
| Zinc phosphide | Zn₃P₂ | — | Rodenticide (reacts with stomach acid to release PH₃) |
| Zinc acetate | Zn(CH₃COO)₂ | Zinc diacetate | Cold and sore-throat lozenges, dietary supplement, wood preservation |
Key Facts About Zinc
The Galvanizing Metal
Roughly half of all zinc produced worldwide is used for galvanizing: coating steel and iron with a thin zinc layer to prevent rust. Zinc's standard reduction potential (−0.76 V) is more negative than iron (−0.44 V), so zinc oxidizes preferentially, acting as a sacrificial anode. Even when the zinc coating is scratched, the surrounding zinc continues to protect the exposed iron electrochemically. Galvanized steel is ubiquitous in construction, automotive bodies, and outdoor infrastructure.
Essential Micronutrient
Zinc is the second most abundant transition metal in the human body after iron, with around 2–3 g present in an adult. It is a cofactor for over 300 enzymes, including carbonic anhydrase (CO₂ transport), alcohol dehydrogenase, RNA polymerase, and DNA polymerase. Zinc fingers — protein motifs that use a Zn²⁺ ion to fold DNA-binding domains — are among the most common structural motifs in the human genome. Zinc deficiency affects roughly 2 billion people worldwide and impairs immune function, wound healing, and growth.
Die-Casting Champion
Zinc alloys (mainly Zamak — zinc, aluminum, magnesium, copper) dominate die-casting because of their low melting point (380–420 °C for alloys), excellent fluidity in the mold, and superior surface finish. Zinc die castings appear in automotive door handles, toy cars, plumbing fixtures, and electronic connector housings. The low melting temperature reduces energy consumption and tool wear dramatically compared to aluminum or brass casting, making zinc die-casting economically favorable for complex small parts.
Batteries and Energy Storage
Zinc has a long history in batteries. The common alkaline battery (AA, AAA) uses a zinc anode and manganese dioxide cathode. Zinc-carbon batteries (Leclanché cells) were the first commercially successful dry cells. More recently, zinc-air batteries offer high energy density for hearing aids and emerging electric vehicle research. Zinc-ion rechargeable batteries are being studied as safer, cheaper alternatives to lithium-ion systems because zinc is abundant, non-flammable, and water-compatible.
Brass: The Alloy of Civilization
Brass, an alloy of copper (55–95%) and zinc (5–45%), has been produced since antiquity. Zinc's addition to copper lowers the melting point, increases strength, improves machinability, and gives the characteristic gold-like appearance. High-zinc brass (60%+ Zn) is used in musical instruments, cartridge cases, and plumbing fittings. Low-zinc brass (gilding metal, 95% Cu/5% Zn) is used for coins and jewelry. The Romans produced brass by cementation — heating copper with calamine (ZnCO₃) ore — without isolating zinc metal itself.
Sunscreen and Photocatalysis
Zinc oxide (ZnO) is a wide-bandgap semiconductor (3.37 eV) with excellent UV-blocking properties, making it a key ingredient in physical (mineral) sunscreens. Unlike organic UV filters, ZnO is photostable, non-irritating, and effective across both UVA and UVB wavelengths. Nanoparticle ZnO (20–50 nm) is transparent on skin and used in cosmetic-grade formulations. The same wide bandgap makes ZnO a photocatalyst for degrading organic pollutants under UV light, and a piezoelectric nanomaterial for nanogenerators and sensors.
Summary
Complete reference for zinc (Zn, element 30): atomic data, electron configuration, isotopes, physical constants, oxidation states, and a property unit converter.
How it works
- Browse the atomic identity card for symbol, atomic number, and standard atomic weight.
- Check the electron configuration panel for orbital notation and the filled [Ar] 3d¹⁰ 4s² arrangement.
- Review the isotopes table for stable and notable radioactive isotopes with natural abundances.
- Consult the physical and chemical properties panels for melting point, density, ionization energies, and oxidation states.
- Use the interactive unit converter to convert zinc property values between common units.
- Explore the key facts section for industrial context and interesting chemistry of zinc.
Use cases
- Look up zinc constants for chemistry homework, metallurgy, or materials science work.
- Verify atomic data when writing lab reports or research papers.
- Reference isotope data for radiochemistry or nuclear research.
- Convert melting and boiling points between Celsius, Fahrenheit, and Kelvin.
- Study d-block electron configurations using zinc as an example of a filled d-subshell.
- Confirm the +2 oxidation state for writing ionic formulae or balancing redox equations.
- Research zinc compounds for industrial chemistry, biology, or environmental science.
- Quick-reference ionization energies for electrochemistry or spectroscopy calculations.