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Zinc lactate trihydrate stands out as a zinc salt formed from lactic acid and zinc with three molecules of water coordinated to each compound unit. This white, crystalline powder or solid flakes serves as an important raw material in health supplements, fortification blends, and chemical formulations. The molecular formula reads C6H14O9Zn, indicating one zinc atom paired with two lactate ions and three water molecules captured within its structure. These properties matter because zinc acts as an essential trace mineral in both human health and industrial manufacturing, affecting everything from metabolic pathways to chemical synthesis.
Products containing zinc lactate trihydrate show up in textures from coarse crystals to fine powders. As a solid, it presents as off-white flakes, granular pearls, or crushed powder, depending on drying and milling. Density hovers close to 1.8 g/cm3, which gives it decent weight and makes it easy to handle or pack. Solubility sits high in water, turning into a nearly clear solution with mild stirring, which helps in blending the material into liquids or feeds. Sometimes buyers look for precise particle sizes because certain processes require either fast dissolution or slow release, and this material adapts by offering a wide range of preparations from dust-free crystals to flowable granules.
Each molecule combines zinc with organic lactate ligands, anchored by three water molecules for stability and chemical performance. The tris-hydrate form resists clumping and resists atmospheric moisture better than its anhydrous cousin. Its molecular weight sits at around 315.6 g/mol, a figure needed when exact stoichiometry drives food fortification or chemical syntheses. The product melts at relatively low temperatures, decomposing before boiling, which matters when heating or mixing other chemicals in solution. Chemical purity runs above 98% in most certified batches, answering the demand for strict raw material requirements in pharmaceuticals and food ingredients.
As a functional ingredient, zinc lactate trihydrate plays a part in supplement tablets, enriched beverages, animal feeds, and even specialty chemical blends. Its zinc gives a nutritional boost in products designed for populations at risk for deficiency. Processors choose this compound both for its mineral source and for the stability brought by its hydrate form, which stretches shelf life and maintains flow in handling. Feed manufacturers often prefer it for its ability to disperse evenly in mixing equipment, while beverage formulators appreciate the gentle taste and unobtrusive mouthfeel this form of zinc provides compared to alternatives like zinc sulfate. The compound works as a reliable raw material in various applications, from oral care products to laboratory reagents.
Zinc lactate trihydrate typically carries the customs HS Code 2918199090 when traded internationally. This classification marks it not only as an organic acid salt but also flags its use as a supplement ingredient and industrial intermediate. Importers track purity and documentation closely to comply with regulations, especially as global interest in trace minerals draws scrutiny. Procurement teams check certifications, lot-specific COAs, and test reports because these controls back up the safety and quality claims tied to the shipment. The HS Code makes customs clearance and duty assessment more straightforward, linking to established chemical regulations in most countries.
Zinc lactate trihydrate, like most zinc compounds, requires careful storage. The compound flows easily but clumps if exposed to high humidity or water, so sealed packaging rules in warehouses. Tech data sheets highlight it as non-combustible but direct users to keep it away from incompatible oxidizing agents. Inhalation of fine powders can irritate airways or eyes, so dust control and personal protection form the backbone of safe handling training. Accidental overexposure, especially by ingestion in large quantities, may lead to zinc toxicity—a rare but serious issue prompting the need for accurate dosing and clear labeling. Rinsing spills with water and following normal industrial hygiene routines keeps risk low for workers and the environment.
Raw materials for zinc lactate trihydrate start with pure zinc and high-grade lactic acid, both of which can raise sourcing and sustainability questions. Zinc comes mainly from mineral mining, so mining practices and supply chain transparency matter for buyers committed to sustainable procurement. Some lactic acid used is derived by fermentation from corn or sugar beet, relying on renewable agricultural inputs. Auditable supply chains and good manufacturing practices (GMP) shape the quality and eco-footprint for companies that produce or use the trihydrate grade. Responsible actors look for suppliers who regularly invest in cleaner processing and better tracking, leading to a more reliable global market for this important chemical.
In day-to-day work with product formulation, the straightforward performance of zinc lactate trihydrate sets it apart. This chemical’s stability, known composition, and ease of use make it a go-to choice where tight tolerances and batch reproducibility matter. It supports nutrient claims, fits within strict additive limits, and blends without leaving unwanted flavors, so health brands and ingredient suppliers keep it on their specification sheets. As nutrition science, chemical engineering, and regulatory standards push for more traceability and safety, materials like zinc lactate trihydrate meet expectations through proven performance, sound documentation, and reliable supply.
