I am following the zinc acetate method of obtaining a solvent for metals. So far I have dissolved pennies in ascetic acid. This zinc then formed a grey precipitant on the bottom of the container. My question is do I siphon of the vinegar off leaving the precipitant behind or do I leave the precipitant in the flask with the vinegar when I distill it? Or perhaps do I simply need to wait longer giving the precipitant more time to dissolve?
Silverdragon07
NDC Admin
Number of posts : 599 Age : 43 Location : beyond the veil Registration date : 2008-12-26
Subject: Re: Zinc Acetate Fri Jan 09, 2009 9:07 pm
There shouldn't be any "precipitant". You did score the pennies on 4 sides right? If not, then the acetic acid can't get to the zinc inside.
Once the pennies are hollow and just 2 halves of copper, then you know the zinc has dissolved into the acetic acid, and it should be filtered. This usually takes about 1 week.
Guest Guest
Subject: Re: Zinc Acetate Sun Jan 18, 2009 11:25 pm
Admin wrote:
There shouldn't be any "precipitant". You did score the pennies on 4 sides right? If not, then the acetic acid can't get to the zinc inside.
Once the pennies are hollow and just 2 halves of copper, then you know the zinc has dissolved into the acetic acid, and it should be filtered. This usually takes about 1 week.
You can use a file to do this with. I use a dremel tool with a cut off blade. I have just started the process. Four days so far.
Guest Guest
Subject: Re: Zinc Acetate Sat Jan 24, 2009 1:17 am
Admin wrote:
There shouldn't be any "precipitant". You did score the pennies on 4 sides right? If not, then the acetic acid can't get to the zinc inside.
Once the pennies are hollow and just 2 halves of copper, then you know the zinc has dissolved into the acetic acid, and it should be filtered. This usually takes about 1 week.
I have found that if the penny's are dirty there will be a black deposit that hangs in the vinegar. I just filtered it before I started the evaporation.
Guest Guest
Subject: Zinc Powder Wed Feb 18, 2009 10:10 pm
Hello Nick,
I am using zinc powder and vinegar and I have it evaporating on a low temp of 100-110 degrees. When this is through the crystals that form are what I am looking for? Question 2: When distilling do you use the sand bath to do this portion or direct flame? Question 3: Can silver be used and where can I find antimony?
Subject: Zinc Acetate 
Fri Jan 09, 2009 7:10 pm
