The formula for what is commonly referred to as "Ammonia Zinc Sulfate," more accurately known as Ammonium Zinc Sulfate Hydrate, is (NH4)2Zn(SO4)2• xH2O. This compound is a double salt, indicating it contains two distinct cation types (ammonium and zinc) and a single anion type (sulfate), along with a variable number of water molecules.
Understanding Ammonium Zinc Sulfate Hydrate
While the term "Ammonia Zinc Sulfate" might be used, the correct chemical name for the compound with the provided formula is Ammonium Zinc Sulfate. The distinction lies in the form of nitrogen:
- Ammonia (NH3) is a neutral molecule.
- Ammonium (NH4+) is a positively charged polyatomic ion (cation) formed when ammonia gains a proton.
The formula (NH4)2Zn(SO4)2• xH2O clearly indicates the presence of the ammonium ion. Let's break down its components:
- Ammonium (NH4+): Two ammonium cations are present.
- Zinc (Zn2+): One zinc cation is present.
- Sulfate (SO4 2-): Two sulfate anions are present.
- Hydrate (xH2O): The 'x' signifies a variable number of water molecules incorporated into the crystal structure, making it a hydrate. The exact value of 'x' can vary depending on the specific form of the salt.
This compound is an example of a double salt, which is a salt containing more than one type of cation or anion, crystallizing together in a single structure.
Key Chemical Identifiers
To further characterize Ammonium Zinc Sulfate Hydrate, various chemical identifiers are used. These provide precise and unambiguous ways to identify the compound.
| Chemical Identifier | Value |
|---|---|
| Linear Formula | (NH4)2Zn(SO4)2• xH2O |
| IUPAC Name | azanium; zinc; sulfate; hydrate |
| SMILES | NH4+].O.[O-]S(=O)(=O)[O-].[Zn] |
| InChI Identifier | InChI=1S/H3N.H2O4S.H2O.Zn/c;1-5(2,3)4;;/h1H3;(H2,1,2,3,4);1H2;/p-1 |
| InChI Key | GMRYSHZVWPTLCH-UHFFFAOYSA-M |
These identifiers are crucial for chemists and researchers to ensure they are referring to the exact same substance, especially when dealing with complex or similar-sounding compounds.
