Prep. By dissolving carbonate of zinc in acetic acid, evaporating and crystallizing.

Prop. & Comp. Acetate of zinc occurs in thin colourless plates, of a pearly lustre, and a sharp unpleasant taste. Soluble in water, giving a white precipitate with sulphuretted hydrogen; evolving acetic acid when decomposed by sulphuric acid. The solution in water, when slightly acidulated with hydrochloric acid, is not precipitated by sulphuretted hydrogen. Boiled for a few minutes with a little nitric acid, it yields with ammonia a white precipitate, entirely soluble, without colour, in excess of the alkali. Composition (Zn O, C4 H3 O3+2 HO).

Therapeutics. Chiefly employed as an external agent, in lieu of the sulphate of zinc, to which it is preferred by some. Internally it may also be given as a substitute for the sulphate.

Dose. 1 gr. to 5 gr. As a lotion or injection, 1 gr. to 30 gr., to 1 fl. oz. of water.

Valerianate of Zinc is described under the head of Valerian.