Zinc Chloride (Anhydrous): Uses & Supply

What is zinc chloride?

Zinc chloride is a white, crystalline inorganic salt and one of the most water-soluble salts known. It is strongly hygroscopic (deliquescent), meaning it readily absorbs moisture from the air, so the anhydrous form is packaged to stay moisture-tight. Chemically it behaves as a Lewis acid, which underpins many of its industrial roles.

Use in metal finishing

Metal finishing is the largest use Stratus supports. Zinc chloride is valued for cleaning and activating metal surfaces and for carrying zinc ions in plating chemistry:

• Galvanizing flux: typically combined with ammonium chloride to clean steel and promote zinc adhesion in hot-dip galvanizing.
• Soldering & brazing flux: removes oxides and helps solder wet and bond to the metal.
• Zinc electroplating: a conductivity and zinc-source salt in acid zinc plating baths.
• Surface preparation: pickling and conditioning of metal surfaces.

Other applications

• Batteries: electrolyte salt in zinc-carbon dry cells.
• Textiles: mordant, fireproofing, and finishing aid.
• Chemical synthesis: a Lewis-acid catalyst and condensing/dehydrating agent.
• Other: wood preservation, vulcanization, and petroleum processing.

Grades, packaging & handling

Supplied anhydrous in technical and industrial grades in moisture-tight bags and drums. Zinc chloride is corrosive and hygroscopic and should be stored sealed and handled per its SDS. COA and SDS are provided with every shipment.

Frequently asked questions

What is zinc chloride used for?

Zinc chloride is used in metal finishing as a galvanizing and soldering flux and in zinc electroplating, as well as in dry-cell batteries, textile finishing, and as a Lewis-acid catalyst in chemical synthesis.

Why is zinc chloride used in galvanizing and soldering flux?

Zinc chloride cleans and activates the metal surface and removes oxides, which helps molten zinc or solder wet and bond to the metal for a sound finish or joint.

Is zinc chloride hygroscopic?

Yes. Zinc chloride is strongly hygroscopic (deliquescent) and absorbs moisture from the air, so the anhydrous product is supplied and stored in moisture-tight packaging.

What grade and packaging does Stratus Chemical supply?

Stratus supplies anhydrous zinc chloride in technical and industrial grades in moisture-tight bags and drums, with COA and SDS provided.

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