Zinc amalgam

For the Australian company Amalgamated Zinc, see Auguste de Bavay.

Zinc amalgam is a solution of zinc in mercury. In practice the term refers to particles of zinc with a surface coating of the amalgam. A gray solid, it is typically used for reduction. It is written as Zn(Hg) in reactions.^[1] It is usually prepared by treating an aqueous suspension of zinc with mercuric chloride. Some zinc chloride is produced in the process.

Uses

• Used from ~1837 to reduce 'local action' which degraded operation of Voltaic piles. See History of the battery#Invention.
• To reduce ferric to ferrous ions in solution. See Jones reductor.
• To reduce ketones and aldehydes to alkanes via the Clemmensen reduction in acidic conditions.