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| Names | |
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IUPAC name
Zinc phosphate
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| Identifiers | |
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3D model (JSmol)
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| ChemSpider | |
| ECHA InfoCard | 100.029.040 |
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PubChem CID
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| RTECS number |
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| UNII | |
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CompTox Dashboard (EPA)
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| Properties | |
| H4O12P2Zn3 | |
| Molar mass | 454.11 g·mol−1 |
| Appearance | white solid |
| Density | 3.998 g/cm3 |
| Melting point | 900 °C (1,650 °F; 1,170 K) |
| Boiling point | 158 °C (316 °F; 431 K) |
| insoluble | |
| −141.0·10−6 cm3/mol |
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Refractive index (nD)
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1.595 |
| Structure | |
| monoclinic | |
| Thermochemistry | |
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Std enthalpy of
formation (ΔfH⦵298) |
− 2891.2 ± 3.3 |
| Hazards | |
| NFPA 704 (fire diamond) | |
| Flash point | Non-flammable |
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Except where otherwise noted, data are given for materials in their standard state (at 25 °C [77 °F], 100 kPa).
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Zinc phosphate is an inorganic compound with the formula Zn3(PO4)2. This white powder is widely used as a corrosion resistant coating on metal surfaces either as part of an electroplating process or applied as a primer pigment (see also red lead). It has largely displaced toxic materials based on lead or chromium, and by 2006 it had become the most commonly used corrosion inhibitor. Zinc phosphate coats better on a crystalline structure than bare metal, so a seeding agent is often used as a pre-treatment. One common agent is sodium pyrophosphate.
Minerals
Natural forms of zinc phosphate include minerals hopeite and parahopeite. A somewhat similar mineral is natural hydrous zinc phosphate called tarbuttite, Zn2(PO4)(OH). Both are known from oxidation zones of Zn ore beds and were formed through oxidation of sphalerite by the presence of phosphate-rich solutions. The anhydrous form has not yet been found naturally.
Dentistry
Zinc phosphate dental cement is one of the oldest and widely used dental cements. It is commonly used for luting permanent metal and zirconium dioxide restorations and as a base for dental restorations. Zinc phosphate cement is used for cementation of inlays, crowns, bridges, and orthodontic appliances and occasionally as a temporary restoration.
It is prepared by mixing zinc oxide and magnesium oxide powders with a liquid consisting principally of phosphoric acid, water, and buffers. It is the standard cement to measure against. It has the longest track record of use in dentistry. It is still commonly used; however, resin-modified glass ionomer cements are more convenient and stronger when used in a dental setting.