Zinc chloride is the name of inorganic chemical compounds with the formula ZnCl₂. It forms hydrates. Zinc chloride, anhydrous and its hydrates are colorless or white crystalline solids, and are highly soluble in water. Five hydrates of zinc chloride are known, as well as four forms of anhydrous zinc chloride. Anhydrous and hydrated forms exist for zinc chloride. By using a chemical reaction, zinc chloride can be obtained through the reaction of zinc carbonate, zinc oxide, zinc sulphide, or zinc metal with hydrochloric acid