Zinc nitrate is a highly deliquescent substance which is usually prepared by dissolving zinc in nitric acid. It can be used as a mordant in dyeing. An example reaction gives a precipitate of zinc carbonate: Zn(NO3)2 + Na2CO3 → ZnCO3 + 2 NaNO3.
Conditions/substances to avoid are: reducing agents, organic materials, metal powders, heat and flame, cyanides, sodium hypophosphite, tin(IV) chloride, phosphorus, thiocyanates, carbon, and sulfur.
Zinc nitrate is soluble in both water and alcohol.
Zinc forms zinc nitrate in reaction with nitric acid, but depending on the concentration of the acid it reacts differently:
3Zn + 8HNO3 conc. → 3Zn(NO3)2 + 2NO + 4H2O
4Zn + 10HNO3 dil. → 4Zn(NO3)2 + NH4NO3 + 3H2O