Zinc chloride has the ability to attack metal oxides (MO) to give derivatives of the formula MZnOCl₂. This reaction is relevant to the utility of ZnCl₂ as a flux for soldering - it dissolves oxide coatings exposing the clean metal surface.[2] Typically this flux was prepared by dissolving zinc foil in dilute hydrochloric acid until the liquid ceased to evolve hydrogen, for this reason such flux was once known as killed spirits.

Because of its corrosive nature, this flux is not suitable for situations where any residue cannot be cleaned away, such as electronic work. This property also leads to its use in the manufacture of magnesia cements for dental fillings and certain mouthwashes as an active ingredient.


Zinc Chloride in various solutions and in the solid (granular) form. Our Zinc Chloride is a high purity, multi application chemical that is available in a complete range of strengths. Zinc chloride has a variety of uses including flux manufacture, water treatment and as an electrolyte in battery manufacture. Zinc chloride is also used in zinc plating, rubber and fiber vulcanization, textile finishing and for applications in food canning. It has a number of uses in personal care products and as an intermediate for fertilizers, antibiotics and catalysts.


Zinc Chloride concentrations to meet individual customer requirements. Our Zinc Chloride solutions are shipped in tank cars, tank trucks, totes and non-returnable 30 and 55-gallon drums. Our granular product is shipped in 55 gallon drums and 55 pound bags.