SelfStarter - 5-2-2011 at 14:19
I was wondering if anyone can think of any reason why zinc remaining after a Zn/HCl reduction of a nitrostyrene couldn't be used again for the same
purpose. I wash the zinc a few times with H20 anyway or else it gets very hot. In Hudlicky's Reductions book it says that zinc used in a Zn/HCl
reduction can catch fire sometimes but I haven't had any problems after washing it 3x with H20. Now as far as using it for the same reaction would it
cause any problems?
mr.crow - 5-2-2011 at 14:29
Should be fine
I can imagine the surface of the Zn would be etched making it extra reactive towards the air.
Magic Muzzlet - 5-2-2011 at 19:03
Yes you can reuse it, I once even did it myself when low on zinc dust.
Arthur Dent - 7-2-2011 at 05:03
That should be no problem. When zinc is dipped in HCl, the reaction is quite intense and it etches the surface of the metal quite well, making it
spotless.
After a few good rinses, to remove the excess HCl and zinc chloride impurities, your zinc should be perfectly good for any other experiment. All my
zinc supply at home has been treated that way.
Robert