Zinc is a strong reducing agent with a standard redox potential of − 0.76 V. Pure zinc tarnishes rapidly in air, eventually forming a passive layer of basic zinc carbonate, Zn 5 (OH) 6 CO 3.
Zinc is a strong reducing agent with a standard redox potential of − 0.76 V. Pure zinc tarnishes rapidly in air, rapidly forming a passive layer. The composition of this layer can be complex, but one constituent is probably basic zinc carbonate, Zn 5 (OH) 6 CO 3.