Zinc phosphate

{{#if:386.11 g/molwhite crystalsZn₃(PO₄)₂3.998 g/cm³900 °Cinsoluble1.595|! style="background: #F8EABA; text-align: center;" colspan="2" | Properties

Zinc phosphate
Zinc phosphate
IUPAC name Zinc phosphate
Identifiers
CAS number	7779-90-0 7pxY
PubChem	24519
ChemSpider	22927 7pxY
UNII	1E2MCT2M62 7pxY
RTECS number	TD0590000
Jmol-3D images	Image 1
SMILES [Zn+2].[Zn+2].[Zn+2].[O-]P([O-])(=O)[O-].[O-]P([O-])([O-])=O <p><p style="word-wrap: break-word;">
InChI InChI=1S/2H3O4P.3Zn/c2*1-5(2,3)4;;;/h2*(H3,1,2,3,4);;;/q;;3*+2/p-6 7pxY Key: LRXTYHSAJDENHV-UHFFFAOYSA-H 7pxY InChI=1/2H3O4P.3Zn/c2*1-5(2,3)4;;;/h2*(H3,1,2,3,4);;;/q;;3*+2/p-6 Key: LRXTYHSAJDENHV-CYFPFDDLAR
Molecular formula	Zn3(PO4)2
Molar mass	386.11 g/mol
Appearance	white crystals
Density	3.998 g/cm3
Melting point	900 °C
Solubility in water	insoluble
Refractive index (nD)	1.595
Structure
Crystal structure	monoclinic
Hazards
EU Index	Not listed
NFPA 704	75px 0 2 0
Flash point	Non-flammable
14pxY (verify) (what is: 10pxY/10pxN?) Except where noted otherwise, data are given for materials in their standard state (at 25 °C, 100 kPa)
Infobox references

Zinc phosphate (Zn₃(PO₄)₂) is an inorganic chemical compound 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). 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.

Natural forms of zinc phosphate include minerals hopeite and parahopeite, Zn₃(PO₄)₂·4H₂O. 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.

Zinc phosphate is formed from zinc phosphate cement and used in dentistry. Zinc phosphate dental cement is one of the oldest and widely used cements, and is commonly used for luting permanent metal 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.