Editing Zinc (section)

==Applications==
Major applications of zinc include, with percentages given for the US<ref name="USGS-yb2006" />
# [[Galvanization|Galvanizing]] (55%)
# [[Brass]] and [[bronze]] (16%)
# Other alloys (21%)
# Miscellaneous (8%)

===Anti-corrosion and batteries===
[[File:Feuerverzinkte Oberfläche.jpg|thumb|Hot-dip handrail [[galvanization|galvanized]] crystalline surface|alt=Merged elongated crystals of various shades of gray.]]
[[File:Zinkanode neu.jpg|thumb|Zinc [[sacrificial anode]]]]
Zinc is most commonly used as an anti-[[corrosion]] agent,<ref name="Greenwood1997p1203">{{harvnb|Greenwood|Earnshaw|1997|p=1203}}</ref> and galvanization (coating of [[iron]] or [[steel]]) is the most familiar form. In 2009 in the United States, 55% or 893,000 tons of the zinc metal was used for galvanization.<ref name="USGS-yb2006">{{cite web |date=February 2010 |url=http://minerals.usgs.gov/minerals/pubs/commodity/zinc/myb1-2009-zinc.pdf|access-date=June 6, 2001 |title=Zinc: World Mine Production (zinc content of concentrate) by Country |work=2009 Minerals Yearbook: Zinc |publisher=United States Geological Survey |location=Washington, D.C. |url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110608154555/http://minerals.usgs.gov/minerals/pubs/commodity/zinc/myb1-2009-zinc.pdf|archive-date=June 8, 2011}}</ref>

Zinc is more reactive than iron or steel and thus will attract almost all local oxidation until it completely corrodes away.<ref name="Stwertka1998p99">{{harvnb|Stwertka|1998|p=99}}</ref> A protective surface layer of oxide and carbonate ({{chem|Zn|5|(OH)|6|(CO|3|)|2|)}} forms as the zinc corrodes.<ref name="Lehto1968p829">{{harvnb|Lehto|1968|p=829}}</ref> This protection lasts even after the zinc layer is scratched but degrades through time as the zinc corrodes away.<ref name="Lehto1968p829" /> The zinc is applied electrochemically or as molten zinc by [[hot-dip galvanizing]] or spraying. Galvanization is used on chain-link fencing, guard rails, suspension bridges, lightposts, metal roofs, heat exchangers, and car bodies.<ref name="Emsley2001p503">{{harvnb|Emsley|2001|p=503}}</ref>

The relative reactivity of zinc and its ability to attract oxidation to itself makes it an efficient [[sacrificial anode]] in [[cathodic protection]] (CP). For example, cathodic protection of a buried pipeline can be achieved by connecting anodes made from zinc to the pipe.<ref name="Lehto1968p829" /> Zinc acts as the [[anode]] (negative terminus) by slowly corroding away as it passes electric current to the steel pipeline.<ref name="Lehto1968p829" />{{efn|Electric current will naturally flow between zinc and steel but in some circumstances inert anodes are used with an external DC source.}} Zinc is also used to cathodically protect metals that are exposed to sea water.<ref>{{Cite journal|title=A comparative study of the electrochemical behaviour of Algerian zinc and a zinc from a commercial sacrificial anode|last=Bounoughaz|first=M.|author2=Salhi, E.|author3=Benzine, K.|author4=Ghali E.|author5=Dalard F.|journal=Journal of Materials Science|volume =38|issue=6|pages=1139–1145|doi=10.1023/A:1022824813564|date=2003|bibcode = 2003JMatS..38.1139B |s2cid=135744939}}</ref> A zinc disc attached to a ship's iron rudder will slowly corrode while the rudder stays intact.<ref name="Stwertka1998p99" /> Similarly, a zinc plug attached to a propeller or the metal protective guard for the keel of the ship provides temporary protection.

With a [[standard electrode potential]] (SEP) of −0.76 [[volt]]s, zinc is used as an anode material for batteries. (More reactive lithium (SEP −3.04 V) is used for anodes in [[Lithium battery|lithium batteries]] ). Powdered zinc is used in this way in [[alkaline battery|alkaline batteries]] and the case (which also serves as the anode) of [[Zinc–carbon battery|zinc–carbon batteries]] is formed from sheet zinc.<ref>{{Cite book|first=Jürgen O.|last=Besenhard|title=Handbook of Battery Materials|publisher=Wiley-VCH|isbn=978-3-527-29469-5|date=1999|bibcode=1999hbm..book.....B}}</ref><ref>{{Cite journal|doi=10.1016/0378-7753(95)02242-2|date=1995|title=Recycling zinc batteries: an economical challenge in consumer waste management|first=J.-P.|last=Wiaux|author2=Waefler, J. -P. |journal=Journal of Power Sources|volume=57|issue=1–2|pages=61–65|bibcode = 1995JPS....57...61W }}</ref> Zinc is used as the anode or fuel of the [[zinc–air battery]]/fuel cell.<ref>{{Cite book|chapter=A design guide for rechargeable zinc–air battery technology|last=Culter|first=T.|doi=10.1109/SOUTHC.1996.535134|title=Southcon/96. Conference Record|isbn=978-0-7803-3268-3|date=1996|page=616|s2cid=106826667}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.electric-fuel.com/evtech/papers/paper11-1-98.pdf |title=Zinc Air Battery-Battery Hybrid for Powering Electric Scooters and Electric Buses |first=Jonathan |last=Whartman |author2=Brown, Ian |publisher=The 15th International Electric Vehicle Symposium |access-date=October 8, 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060312003601/http://www.electric-fuel.com/evtech/papers/paper11-1-98.pdf |archive-date=March 12, 2006 }}</ref><ref>{{cite journal|title=A refuelable zinc/air battery for fleet electric vehicle propulsion|journal=NASA Sti/Recon Technical Report N|volume=96|pages=11394|last=Cooper|first=J. F.|author2=Fleming, D.|author3=Hargrove, D.|author4=Koopman, R.|author5=Peterman, K|publisher=Society of Automotive Engineers future transportation technology conference and exposition|osti = 82465|bibcode=1995STIN...9611394C|year=1995}}</ref> The [[Zinc–cerium battery|zinc-cerium]] [[redox flow battery]] also relies on a zinc-based negative half-cell.<ref name="Xie1">{{cite journal|last1=Xie|first1=Z.|last2=Liu|first2=Q.|last3=Chang|first3=Z.|last4=Zhang|first4=X.|title=The developments and challenges of cerium half-cell in zinc–cerium redox flow battery for energy storage|journal=Electrochimica Acta|date=2013|volume=90|pages=695–704|doi=10.1016/j.electacta.2012.12.066}}</ref>

===Alloys===
A widely used zinc alloy is brass, in which copper is alloyed with anywhere from 3% to 45% zinc, depending upon the type of brass.<ref name="Lehto1968p829" /> Brass is generally more [[ductile]] and stronger than copper, and has superior [[corrosion resistance]].<ref name="Lehto1968p829" /> These properties make it useful in communication equipment, hardware, musical instruments, and water valves.<ref name="Lehto1968p829" />

[[File:Microstructure of rolled and annealed brass; magnification 400X.jpg|thumb|left|Cast brass microstructure at magnification 400x|alt=A mosaica pattern composed of components having various shapes and shades of brown.]]
Other widely used zinc alloys include [[nickel silver]], typewriter metal, soft and aluminium [[solder]], and commercial [[bronze]].<ref name="CRCp4-41" /> Zinc is also used in contemporary pipe organs as a substitute for the traditional lead/tin alloy in pipes.<ref>{{Cite book|first=Douglas Earl|last=Bush|author2=Kassel, Richard |title=The Organ: An Encyclopedia|isbn=978-0-415-94174-7|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=cgDJaeFFUPoC|publisher=Routledge|date=2006|page=679}}</ref> Alloys of 85–88% zinc, 4–10% copper, and 2–8% aluminium find limited use in certain types of machine bearings. Zinc has been the primary metal in [[Lincoln cent|American one cent coins]] (pennies) since 1982.<ref name="onecent">{{cite web|url=http://www.usmint.gov/about_the_mint/?action=coin_specifications|publisher=United States Mint|access-date=October 8, 2008|title=Coin Specifications|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150218061037/http://www.usmint.gov/about_the_mint/?action=coin_specifications|archive-date=February 18, 2015}}</ref> The zinc core is coated with a thin layer of copper to give the appearance of a copper coin. In 1994, {{convert|33200|t|ST}} of zinc were used to produce 13.6&nbsp;billion pennies in the United States.<ref name="USGS-yb1994">{{cite web|url=http://minerals.usgs.gov/minerals/pubs/commodity/zinc/720494.pdf|publisher=United States Geological Survey|title=Mineral Yearbook 1994: Zinc|first=Stephen M.|last=Jasinski|access-date=November 13, 2008|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081029065604/http://minerals.usgs.gov/minerals/pubs/commodity/zinc/720494.pdf|archive-date=October 29, 2008}}</ref>

Alloys of zinc with small amounts of copper, aluminium, and magnesium are useful in [[die casting]] as well as [[spin casting]], especially in the automotive, electrical, and hardware industries.<ref name="CRCp4-41" /> These alloys are marketed under the name [[Zamak]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.eazall.com/diecastalloys.aspx|title=Diecasting Alloys|publisher=Eastern Alloys|access-date=January 19, 2009|location=Maybrook, NY|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081225003739/http://www.eazall.com/diecastalloys.aspx|archive-date=December 25, 2008}}</ref> An example of this is [[zinc aluminium]]. The low melting point together with the low [[viscosity]] of the alloy makes possible the production of small and intricate shapes. The low working temperature leads to rapid cooling of the cast products and fast production for assembly.<ref name="CRCp4-41" /><ref>{{Cite journal|first=D.|last=Apelian|author2=Paliwal, M. |author3=Herrschaft, D. C. |title=Casting with Zinc Alloys|journal=Journal of Metals|volume=33|issue=11|date=1981|pages =12–19|doi=10.1007/bf03339527|bibcode = 1981JOM....33k..12A }}</ref> Another alloy, marketed under the brand name Prestal, contains 78% zinc and 22% aluminium, and is reported to be nearly as strong as steel but as malleable as plastic.<ref name="CRCp4-41" /><ref>{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=s0i32LSfrJ4C&pg=PA157|page=157|title=Materials for automobile bodies|author=Davies, Geoff|publisher=Butterworth-Heinemann|date=2003|isbn=978-0-7506-5692-4}}</ref> This [[superplasticity]] of the alloy allows it to be molded using die casts made of ceramics and cement.<ref name="CRCp4-41" />

Similar alloys with the addition of a small amount of lead can be cold-rolled into sheets. An alloy of 96% zinc and 4% aluminium is used to make stamping dies for low production run applications for which ferrous metal dies would be too expensive.<ref name="samans">{{Cite book|last=Samans|first=Carl Hubert|title=Engineering Metals and Their Alloys|publisher=Macmillan Co.|date=1949}}</ref> For building facades, roofing, and other applications for [[sheet metal]] formed by [[deep drawing]], [[roll forming]], or [[bending (metalworking)|bending]], zinc alloys with [[titanium]] and copper are used.<ref name="ZincCorr">{{Cite book|chapter-url=https://books.google.com/books?id=C-pAiedmqp8C|title=Corrosion Resistance of Zinc and Zinc Alloys|first=Frank|last=Porter|publisher =CRC Press|date=1994|isbn=978-0-8247-9213-8|chapter=Wrought Zinc|pages=6–7}}</ref> Unalloyed zinc is too brittle for these manufacturing processes.<ref name="ZincCorr" />

As a dense, inexpensive, easily worked material, zinc is used as a [[lead]] replacement. In the wake of [[Lead poisoning|lead concerns]], zinc appears in weights for various applications ranging from fishing<ref>{{cite book|author=McClane, Albert Jules|author2=Gardner, Keith|name-list-style=amp|title=The Complete book of fishing: a guide to freshwater, saltwater & big-game fishing|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=b3nWAAAAMAAJ|access-date=June 26, 2012|date=1987|publisher=Gallery Books|isbn=978-0-8317-1565-6|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121115010409/http://books.google.com/books?id=b3nWAAAAMAAJ|archive-date=November 15, 2012}}</ref> to [[tire balance]]s and flywheels.<ref name="minrecall">{{cite web
 |url=http://www.minourausa.com/english/support-e/recall-e.html
 |title=Cast flywheel on old Magturbo trainer has been recalled since July 2000
 |work=Minoura
 |url-status=dead
 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130323175731/http://www.minourausa.com/english/support-e/recall-e.html
 |archive-date=March 23, 2013
}}</ref>

[[Cadmium zinc telluride]] (CZT) is a [[semiconductor|semiconductive]] alloy that can be divided into an array of small sensing devices.<ref name="Katz2002" /> These devices are similar to an [[integrated circuit]] and can detect the energy of incoming [[gamma ray]] photons.<ref name="Katz2002" /> When behind an absorbing mask, the CZT sensor array can determine the direction of the rays.<ref name="Katz2002">{{Cite book|title=The Biggest Bangs|last=Katz|first=Johnathan I.|page=[https://archive.org/details/biggestbangsmyst00katz_0/page/18 18]|publisher=[[Oxford University Press]]|date=2002|isbn=978-0-19-514570-0|url=https://archive.org/details/biggestbangsmyst00katz_0/page/18}}</ref>

===Other industrial uses===
[[File:Zinc oxide.jpg|thumb|Zinc oxide is used as a white [[pigment]] in [[paint]]s.|alt=White powder on a glass plate]]
Roughly one quarter of all zinc output in the United States in 2009 was consumed in zinc compounds;<ref name="USGS-yb2006" /> a variety of which are used industrially. Zinc oxide is widely used as a white pigment in paints and as a [[catalyst]] in the manufacture of rubber to disperse heat. Zinc oxide is used to protect rubber polymers and plastics from [[ultraviolet radiation]] (UV).<ref name="Emsley2001p503" /> The [[semiconductor]] properties of zinc oxide make it useful in [[varistor]]s and photocopying products.<ref>{{Cite book|last=Zhang|first=Xiaoge Gregory|title=Corrosion and Electrochemistry of Zinc|publisher=Springer|date=1996|page=93|isbn=978-0-306-45334-2|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Qmf4VsriAtMC}}</ref> The [[zinc zinc-oxide cycle]] is a two step [[Thermochemistry|thermochemical]] process based on zinc and zinc oxide for [[hydrogen production]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.hydrogen.energy.gov/pdfs/review06/pd_10_weimer.pdf|title=Development of Solar-powered Thermochemical Production of Hydrogen from Water|last=Weimer|first=Al|date=May 17, 2006|access-date=January 10, 2009|publisher=[[U.S. Department of Energy]]|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090205122514/http://www.hydrogen.energy.gov/pdfs/review06/pd_10_weimer.pdf|archive-date=February 5, 2009}}</ref>

[[Zinc chloride]] is often added to lumber as a [[fire retardant]]<ref name="Heiserman1992p124">{{harvnb|Heiserman|1992|p=124}}</ref> and sometimes as a wood [[preservative]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Wood preservatives |last=Blew|first=Joseph Oscar|date=1953|publisher=Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Forest Products Laboratory|url=http://ir.library.oregonstate.edu/xmlui/bitstream/handle/1957/816/FPL_D149ocr.pdf |hdl=1957/816|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120114143025/http://ir.library.oregonstate.edu/xmlui/bitstream/handle/1957/816/FPL_D149ocr.pdf|archive-date=January 14, 2012}}</ref> It is used in the manufacture of other chemicals.<ref name="Heiserman1992p124" /> [[Zinc methyl]] ({{chem|Zn(CH<sub>3</sub>)|2}}) is used in a number of organic [[organic synthesis|syntheses]].<ref>{{Cite journal|first=Edward|last=Frankland|author-link=Edward Frankland|journal=[[Liebigs Annalen|Liebig's Annalen der Chemie und Pharmacie]]|title=Notiz über eine neue Reihe organischer Körper, welche Metalle, Phosphor u. s. w. enthalten|date=1849|volume=71|issue=2|pages=213–216|doi=10.1002/jlac.18490710206|language=de|url=https://zenodo.org/record/1427026}}</ref> [[Zinc sulfide]] (ZnS) is used in [[luminescence|luminescent]] pigments such as on the hands of clocks, [[X-ray]] and television screens, and [[luminous paint]]s.<ref name="CRCp4-42">{{harvnb|CRC|2006|p='''4'''{{hyphen}}42<!-- sic "hyphen -" ; not a range!-->}}</ref> Crystals of ZnS are used in [[laser]]s that operate in the mid-[[infrared]] part of the spectrum.<ref>{{Cite book|last=Paschotta|first=Rüdiger|title=Encyclopedia of Laser Physics and Technology|publisher=Wiley-VCH|date=2008|page=798|isbn=978-3-527-40828-3|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=2p9WvgAACAAJ}}</ref> [[Zinc sulfate]] is a chemical in [[dye]]s and pigments.<ref name= "Heiserman1992p124" /> [[Zinc pyrithione]] is used in [[antifouling]] paints.<ref>{{Cite journal|journal=Environment International|volume=30|date=2004|issue=2|pages=235–248|doi=10.1016/S0160-4120(03)00176-4 |pmid=14749112|title=Worldwide occurrence and effects of antifouling paint booster biocides in the aquatic environment: a review|first=I. K.|last=Konstantinou|author2=Albanis, T. A. |bibcode=2004EnInt..30..235K }}</ref>

Zinc powder is sometimes used as a [[propellant]] in [[model rocket]]s.<ref name="ZnS" /> When a compressed mixture of 70% zinc and 30% [[sulfur]] powder is ignited there is a violent chemical reaction.<ref name="ZnS" /> This produces zinc sulfide, together with large amounts of hot gas, heat, and light.<ref name="ZnS">{{cite web|url=http://www.angelo.edu/faculty/kboudrea/demos/zinc_sulfur/zinc_sulfur.htm|title=Zinc + Sulfur|last=Boudreaux|first=Kevin A.|publisher=Angelo State University|access-date=October 8, 2008|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081202034703/http://www.angelo.edu/faculty/kboudrea/demos/zinc_sulfur/zinc_sulfur.htm|archive-date=December 2, 2008}}</ref>

Zinc sheet metal is used as a durable covering for roofs, walls, and countertops, the last often seen in [[bistro]]s and [[oyster bar]]s, and is known for the rustic look imparted by its surface [[oxidation]] in use to a blue-gray [[patina]] and susceptibility to scratching.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://rolled.zinc.org/ |title=Rolled and Titanium Zinc Sheet |access-date=October 21, 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.hunker.com/13466339/things-you-should-know-about-zinc-countertops |title=Things You Should Know About Zinc Countertops |date=August 4, 2017 |access-date=October 21, 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.masterclass.com/articles/guide-to-zinc-countertops |title=Guide to Zinc Countertops: Benefits of Zinc Kitchen Counters |access-date=October 21, 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Technical Information|date=2008|publisher=Zinc Counters|url=http://www.zinccounters.co.uk/html/tech/tech.htm|access-date=November 29, 2008|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081121002508/http://www.zinccounters.co.uk/html/tech/tech.htm|archive-date=November 21, 2008}}</ref>

{{chem|64|Zn}}, the most abundant isotope of zinc, is very susceptible to [[neutron activation]], being [[Nuclear transmutation|transmuted]] into the highly radioactive {{chem|65|Zn}}, which has a half-life of 244 days and produces intense [[gamma ray|gamma radiation]]. Because of this, zinc oxide used in nuclear reactors as an anti-corrosion agent is depleted of {{chem|64|Zn}} before use, this is called [[depleted zinc oxide]]. For the same reason, zinc has been proposed as a [[Salted bomb|salting]] material for [[nuclear weapon]]s ([[cobalt]] is another, better-known salting material).<ref name="Win2003" /> A jacket of [[Isotope separation|isotopically enriched]] {{chem|64|Zn}} would be irradiated by the intense high-energy neutron flux from an exploding thermonuclear weapon, forming a large amount of {{chem|65|Zn}} significantly increasing the radioactivity of the weapon's [[Nuclear fallout|fallout]].<ref name="Win2003" /> Such a weapon is not known to have ever been built, tested, or used.<ref name="Win2003">{{Cite journal|title=Weapons of Mass Destruction|first=David Tin|last=Win|author2=Masum, Al|url=http://www.journal.au.edu/au_techno/2003/apr2003/aujt6-4_article07.pdf|date=2003|journal=Assumption University Journal of Technology|volume=6|issue=4|page=199|publisher=Assumption University|access-date=April 6, 2009|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090326001457/http://www.journal.au.edu/au_techno/2003/apr2003/aujt6-4_article07.pdf|archive-date=March 26, 2009}}</ref>

{{chem|65|Zn}} is used as a [[isotopic tracer|tracer]] to study how alloys that contain zinc wear out, or the path and the role of zinc in organisms.<ref>{{cite book|url=http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1G2-3427000114.html|isbn=978-0-7876-2846-8|publisher=U. X. L. /Gale|date=1999|title=Chemical Elements: From Carbon to Krypton|author=David E. Newton|access-date=April 6, 2009|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080710132328/http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1G2-3427000114.html|archive-date=July 10, 2008}}</ref>

Zinc dithiocarbamate complexes are used as agricultural [[fungicide]]s; these include [[Zineb]], Metiram, Propineb and Ziram.<ref>{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=cItuoO9zSjkC&pg=PA591|title=Ullmann's Agrochemicals|date=2007|publisher=Wiley-Vch (COR)|isbn=978-3-527-31604-5|pages=591–592}}{{Dead link|date=June 2024 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> Zinc naphthenate is used as wood preservative.<ref>{{Cite book|title=Primary Wood Processing: Principles and Practice| last=Walker|first =J. C. F.|date=2006|publisher=Springer|isbn=978-1-4020-4392-5|page=317}}</ref> Zinc in the form of [[Zinc dithiophosphate|ZDDP]], is used as an anti-wear additive for metal parts in engine oil.<ref>{{cite news|title=ZDDP Engine Oil&nbsp;– The Zinc Factor|url=http://www.mustangmonthly.com/techarticles/mump_0907_zddp_zinc_additive_engine_oil/index.html|newspaper=Mustang Monthly|access-date=September 19, 2009|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090912041431/http://www.mustangmonthly.com/techarticles/mump_0907_zddp_zinc_additive_engine_oil/index.html|archive-date=September 12, 2009}}</ref>

===Organic chemistry===
[[File:DiphenylzincCarbonylAddition.png|thumb|upright=1.6|Enantioselective addition of diphenylzinc to an aldehyde<ref>{{cite journal | doi = 10.1002/anie.200600741 | title = From Aryl Bromides to Enantioenriched Benzylic Alcohols in a Single Flask: Catalytic Asymmetric Arylation of Aldehydes | date = 2006 | last1 = Kim | first1 = Jeung Gon | last2 = Walsh | first2 = Patrick J. | journal = Angewandte Chemie International Edition | volume = 45 | issue = 25 | pages = 4175–4178 | pmid=16721894| doi-access = free }}</ref>]]
[[Organozinc compound|Organozinc]] chemistry is the science of compounds that contain carbon-zinc bonds, describing the physical properties, synthesis, and chemical reactions. Many organozinc compounds are commercially important.<ref>{{cite book | doi = 10.1002/0471264180.or066.01 | title = The Allylic Trihaloacetimidate Rearrangement | series = Organic Reactions | date = 2005 | last1 = Overman | first1 = Larry E. | last2 = Carpenter | first2 = Nancy E. | isbn = 978-0-471-26418-7 | volume = 66 | pages =1–107}}</ref><ref>{{cite book | isbn = 978-0-470-09337-5 | url = https://books.google.com/books?id=Y3wYEmIHlqUC | title = The Chemistry of Organozinc Compounds: R-Zn | last1 = Rappoport | first1 = Zvi | last2 = Marek | first2 = Ilan | date = December 17, 2007 | publisher=John Wiley & Sons | url-status=live | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160414165728/https://books.google.com/books?id=Y3wYEmIHlqUC | archive-date = April 14, 2016 | df = mdy-all }}</ref><ref>{{cite book | isbn = 978-0-19-850121-3 | url = https://books.google.com/books?id=UH5tQgAACAAJ | title = Organozinc reagents: A practical approach | last1 = Knochel | first1 = Paul | last2 = Jones | first2 = Philip | date = 1999 | publisher=Oxford University Press | url-status=live | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160414152600/https://books.google.com/books?id=UH5tQgAACAAJ | archive-date = April 14, 2016 | df = mdy-all }}</ref><ref>{{cite book | url = https://books.google.com/books?id=hgUqZkG23PAC | isbn = 978-3-13-103061-0 | title = Synthetic Methods of Organometallic and Inorganic Chemistry: Catalysis | last1 = Herrmann | first1 = Wolfgang A. | date = January 2002 | publisher = Georg Thieme Verlag | url-status=live | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160414190931/https://books.google.com/books?id=hgUqZkG23PAC | archive-date = April 14, 2016 | df = mdy-all }}</ref> Among important applications are:

* The Frankland-Duppa Reaction in which an [[oxalate]] [[ester]] (ROCOCOOR) reacts with an [[alkyl halide]] R'X, zinc and [[hydrochloric acid]] to form α-hydroxycarboxylic esters RR'COHCOOR<ref>E. Frankland, Ann. 126, 109 (1863)</ref><ref>E. Frankland, B. F. Duppa, Ann. 135, 25 (1865)</ref>
* Organozincs have similar reactivity to [[Grignard reagent]]s but are much less nucleophilic, and they are expensive and difficult to handle. Organozincs typically perform nucleophilic addition on electrophiles such as [[aldehydes]], which are then reduced to [[Alcohol (chemistry)|alcohols]]. Commercially available diorganozinc compounds include [[dimethylzinc]], [[diethylzinc]] and diphenylzinc. Like Grignard reagents, organozincs are commonly produced from [[organobromine compound|organobromine]] precursors.

Zinc has found many uses in catalysis in organic synthesis including [[asymmetric reaction|enantioselective synthesis]], being a cheap and readily available alternative to precious metal complexes. Quantitative results (yield and [[enantiomeric excess]]) obtained with chiral zinc catalysts can be comparable to those achieved with palladium, ruthenium, iridium and others.<ref>{{cite journal|last1=Łowicki|first1=Daniel|author2=Baś, Sebastian|author3=Mlynarski, Jacek|title=Chiral zinc catalysts for asymmetric synthesis|journal=Tetrahedron|date=2015|volume=71|issue=9|pages=1339–1394|doi=10.1016/j.tet.2014.12.022}}</ref>

===Dietary supplement===
[[File:Zinc pills.jpg|thumb|[[Zinc gluconate]] supplement pills]]
[[File:Zinc gluconate structure.svg|thumb|upright=1.35|[[Zinc gluconate]] is one compound used for the delivery of zinc as a [[dietary supplement]].|alt=Skeletal chemical formula of a planar compound featuring a Zn atom in the center, symmetrically bonded to four oxygens. Those oxygens are further connected to linear COH chains.]]
{{see also|Zinc sulfate (medical use)|Zinc gluconate}}
In most single-tablet, over-the-counter, daily vitamin and [[Dietary mineral|mineral]] supplements, zinc is included in such forms as [[zinc oxide]], [[zinc acetate]], [[zinc gluconate]], or zinc amino acid chelate.<ref name="DiSilvestro2004">{{Cite book|title=Handbook of Minerals as Nutritional Supplements|last=DiSilvestro|first=Robert A.|date=2004|publisher=CRC Press|isbn=978-0-8493-1652-4|pages=135, 155}}</ref><ref name="USgov">{{cite report
|url=https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT01791608
|title=Zinc Sulphate vs. Zinc Amino Acid Chelate (ZAZO)
|via=U.S. National Library of Medecine
|date=February 13, 2013
|publisher=USA Government
|access-date=April 6, 2022|last1=Sanchez
|first1=Juliana
|id=NCT01791608
}}</ref>

Generally, zinc supplement is recommended where there is high risk of zinc deficiency (such as low and middle income countries) as a preventive measure.<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Mayo-Wilson |first1=E |last2=Junior |first2=JA |last3=Imdad |first3=A |last4=Dean |first4=S |last5=Chan |first5=XH |last6=Chan |first6=ES |last7=Jaswal |first7=A |last8=Bhutta |first8=ZA |title=Zinc supplementation for preventing mortality, morbidity, and growth failure in children aged 6 months to 12 years of age. |journal=The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews |date=May 15, 2014 |issue=5 |pages=CD009384 |doi=10.1002/14651858.CD009384.pub2 |pmid=24826920}}</ref> Although zinc sulfate is a commonly used zinc form, zinc citrate, gluconate and picolinate may be valid options as well. These forms are better absorbed than zinc oxide.<ref name="Zincposology2019">{{cite journal|title=Dietary vs. pharmacological doses of zinc: A clinical review. |journal=Clin Nutr. |volume=130 |issue=5 |doi=10.1016/j.clnu.2019.06.024|pmid=31303527|year=2019 |vauthors=Santos HO, Teixeira FJ, Schoenfeld BJ |pages=1345–1353|s2cid=196616666 }}</ref>

====Gastroenteritis====
Zinc is an inexpensive and effective part of treatment of [[diarrhea]] among children in the developing world. Zinc becomes depleted in the body during diarrhea and replenishing zinc with a 10- to 14-day course of treatment can reduce the duration and severity of diarrheal episodes and may also prevent future episodes for as long as three months.<ref>{{cite journal|title=Therapeutic effects of oral zinc in acute and persistent diarrhea in children in developing countries: pooled analysis of randomized controlled trials|pmid=11101480|date=2000|vauthors=Bhutta ZA, Bird SM, Black RE, Brown KH, Gardner JM, Hidayat A, Khatun F, Martorell R, Ninh NX, Penny ME, Rosado JL, Roy SK, Ruel M, Sazawal S, Shankar A<!--|collaboration=The Zinc Investigators’ Collaborative Group-->|display-authors=8|volume=72|issue=6 |pages=1516–1522|journal=The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition |doi=10.1093/ajcn/72.6.1516|doi-access=free}}</ref> [[Gastroenteritis]] is strongly attenuated by ingestion of zinc, possibly by direct antimicrobial action of the ions in the [[gastrointestinal tract]], or by the absorption of the zinc and re-release from immune cells (all [[granulocyte]]s secrete zinc), or both.<ref>{{cite journal|last=Aydemir |first=T. B.|author2=Blanchard, R. K. |author3=Cousins, R. J. |date=2006|title=Zinc supplementation of young men alters metallothionein, zinc transporter, and cytokine gene expression in leukocyte populations |journal=PNAS|pmid=16434472|volume=103|issue=6|pmc=1413653|doi=10.1073/pnas.0510407103|bibcode = 2006PNAS..103.1699A |pages=1699–704|doi-access=free}}</ref><ref>{{cite journal |last=Valko|first=M. |author2=Morris, H. |author3=Cronin, M. T. D. |date=2005|title=Metals, Toxicity and Oxidative stress|journal=Current Medicinal Chemistry |issue=10 |volume=12 |doi=10.2174/0929867053764635 |pmid=15892631 |pages=1161–208 |url=http://webmail.stuba.sk/~marian.valko/PDF/CMC_2005.pdf|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170808080110/http://webmail.stuba.sk/~marian.valko/PDF/CMC_2005.pdf |archive-date=August 8, 2017}}</ref>

====Common cold{{anchor|Common cold}}====
{{Excerpt|Zinc and the common cold}}

====Weight gain====
{{See also|Zinc deficiency#Appetite}}
Zinc deficiency may lead to loss of appetite.<ref>{{cite journal | vauthors = Suzuki H, Asakawa A, Li JB, Tsai M, Amitani H, Ohinata K, Komai M, Inui A | title = Zinc as an appetite stimulator – the possible role of zinc in the progression of diseases such as cachexia and sarcopenia | journal = Recent Patents on Food, Nutrition & Agriculture | volume = 3 | issue = 3 | pages = 226–231 | date =2011 | pmid = 21846317 | doi = 10.2174/2212798411103030226 }}</ref> The use of zinc in the treatment of anorexia has been advocated since 1979. At least 15 clinical trials have shown that zinc improved weight gain in anorexia. A 1994 trial showed that zinc doubled the rate of body mass increase in the treatment of anorexia nervosa. Deficiency of other nutrients such as tyrosine, tryptophan and thiamine could contribute to this phenomenon of "malnutrition-induced malnutrition".<ref name="Zincappetitereview">{{cite journal|title=Neurobiology of Zinc-Influenced Eating Behavior |journal=The Journal of Nutrition|volume=130|issue=5|pages=1493S–1499S|doi=10.1093/jn/130.5.1493S|pmid=10801965|year=2000|last1=Shay|first1=Neil F.|last2=Mangian|first2=Heather F.|doi-access=free}}</ref>
A meta-analysis of 33 prospective intervention trials regarding zinc supplementation and its effects on the growth of children in many countries showed that zinc supplementation alone had a statistically significant effect on linear growth and body weight gain, indicating that other deficiencies that may have been present were not responsible for growth retardation.<ref name="Zincappetitereview2">{{cite journal|title=Zinc|journal=StatPearls [Internet]|pmid=31613478|year=2019|vauthors=Rabinovich D, Smadi Y}}</ref>

====Other====
People taking zinc supplements may slow down the progress to [[age-related macular degeneration]].<ref>{{cite journal |vauthors=Evans JR, Lawrenson JG |date=13 Sep 2023 |title=Antioxidant vitamin and mineral supplements for slowing the progression of age-related macular degeneration |journal=Cochrane Database Syst Rev |volume=2023 |issue=9 |pages=CD000254 |doi=10.1002/14651858.CD000254.pub5 |pmid=37702300|pmc=10498493 }}</ref> Zinc supplement is an effective treatment for [[acrodermatitis enteropathica]], a genetic disorder affecting zinc absorption that was previously fatal to affected infants.<ref name="Emsley2001p501" /> Zinc deficiency has been associated with [[major depressive disorder]] (MDD), and zinc supplements may be an effective treatment.<ref name="pmid23567517">{{cite journal | vauthors = Swardfager W, Herrmann N, McIntyre RS, Mazereeuw G, Goldberger K, Cha DS, Schwartz Y, Lanctôt KL | title = Potential roles of zinc in the pathophysiology and treatment of major depressive disorder | journal = Neurosci. Biobehav. Rev. | volume = 37 | issue = 5 | pages = 911–929 | date = June 2013 | pmid = 23567517 | doi = 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2013.03.018 | s2cid = 1725139 }}</ref> Zinc may help individuals sleep more.<ref name="Zinc & sleep 2017 review" />

===Topical use===
{{further|Zinc oxide#Medicine}}
[[Topical administration|Topical preparations]] of zinc include those used on the skin, often in the form of [[zinc oxide]]. Zinc oxide is generally recognized by the FDA as safe and effective<ref>{{Cite journal |last=Research |first=Center for Drug Evaluation and |date=November 16, 2021 |title=Questions and Answers: FDA posts deemed final order and proposed order for over-the-counter sunscreen |url=https://www.fda.gov/drugs/understanding-over-counter-medicines/questions-and-answers-fda-posts-deemed-final-order-and-proposed-order-over-counter-sunscreen |journal=FDA |language=en}}</ref> and is considered a very photo-stable.<ref>{{Citation |last1=Chauhan |first1=Ravi |title=Advancing of Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles for Cosmetic Applications |date=2021 |work=Handbook of Consumer Nanoproducts |pages=1–16 |editor-last=Mallakpour |editor-first=Shadpour |place=Singapore |publisher=Springer |language=en |doi=10.1007/978-981-15-6453-6_100-1 |isbn=978-981-15-6453-6 |last2=Kumar |first2=Amit |last3=Tripathi |first3=Ramna |last4=Kumar |first4=Akhilesh |s2cid=245778598 |editor2-last=Hussain |editor2-first=Chaudhery Mustansar}}</ref> Zinc oxide is one of the most common active ingredients formulated into a sunscreen to mitigate [[sunburn]].<ref name="Emsley2001p501" /> Applied thinly to a baby's diaper area ([[perineum]]) with each diaper change, it can protect against [[diaper rash]].<ref name="Emsley2001p501" />

Chelated zinc is used in toothpastes and mouthwashes to prevent [[halitosis|bad breath]]; zinc citrate helps reduce the build-up of [[Calculus (dental)|calculus]] (tartar).<ref>{{Cite journal|volume =30|issue =5|pages=427–434|date=2003|title=The effects of a new mouthrinse containing chlorhexidine, cetylpyridinium chloride and zinc lactate on the microflora of oral halitosis patients: a dual-centre, double-blind placebo-controlled study|author=Roldán, S.|author2=Winkel, E. G.|author3=Herrera, D.|author4=Sanz, M.|author5=Van Winkelhoff, A. J.|doi=10.1034/j.1600-051X.2003.20004.x|pmid =12716335|journal =Journal of Clinical Periodontology}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=Toothpastes|url=https://www.ada.org/en/member-center/oral-health-topics/toothpastes|access-date=September 27, 2020|website=www.ada.org|archive-date=March 5, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160305154431/http://ada.org/1322.aspx|url-status=dead}}</ref>

[[Zinc pyrithione]] is widely included in shampoos to prevent dandruff.<ref>{{cite journal|journal=British Journal of Dermatology|volume=112|issue=4|pages=415–422|title=The effects of a shampoo containing zinc pyrithione on the control of dandruff|first=R.|last=Marks|author2=Pearse, A. D. |author3=Walker, A. P. |doi=10.1111/j.1365-2133.1985.tb02314.x|pmid=3158327|date=1985|s2cid=23368244}}</ref>

Topical zinc has also been shown to effectively treat, as well as prolong remission in [[genital herpes]].<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Mahajan |first1=BB |last2=Dhawan |first2=M |last3=Singh |first3=R |title=Herpes genitalis – Topical zinc sulfate: An alternative therapeutic and modality. |journal=Indian Journal of Sexually Transmitted Diseases and AIDS |date=January 2013 |volume=34 |issue=1 |pages=32–4 |doi=10.4103/0253-7184.112867 |pmid=23919052 |pmc=3730471 |doi-access=free }}</ref>