Reduction of ZnCl2 to get Zn metal

Ananth · Post by **Ananth** » Tue Jun 03, 2008 2:21 am

Hi..I want to reduce ZnCl₂ to get Zn metal using NaBH₄. Is there any way possible to reduce ZnCl₂? The method of using NaBH₄ is not working..I am only getting white precipitate and not metallic Zn..Is there a better reductant for getting Zn metal from ZnCl₂...Please help...
I can not use the Zn metal powder as such becuase it is flammable....
also, I need insitu formation of Zn metal in a porous matrix...

Zedekiah · Post by **Zedekiah** » Tue Jun 03, 2008 8:38 am

Would you be able to make an amalgam with the zinc metal powder? That would solve the flammability problem.

My guess is that there is insolubility because of the product of the borohydride's reduction.

Aluminum hydride wouldn't have the same problem as borohydride during the reduction, could that be a solution?