Adsorption Complexes of α-Zinc Hydroxide

Abstract

IN numerous communications, Feitknecht has described the preparation and structures of the basic salts and hydroxide of zinc. Particular reference is made in this communication to the so-called α-form of zinc hydroxide (Zn(OH)₂), to which Feitknecht¹ has ascribed a partially random structure, consisting of an assemblage of parallel layers, packed together without any further regularity. The analogy with the structures of the natural clay minerals mont-morillonite and halloysite suggested to one of us (D. M. C. M.) that it would be of interest to see if the α-hydroxide shows the same type of interlayer adsorption as these clays². This appeared likely, because Feitknecht³ had shown that certain anionic dyestuffs are adsorbed on the α-zinc hydroxide, either by incorporating them in solution during the precipitation, or by shaking it with a solution of the dyestuff.