Amalgamated zinc explained

Amalgamated zinc is zinc that has been surface treated with mercury to form a surface amalgam containing little contamination from other elements. It is typically used for reduction, and is written as Zn(Hg) in reactions.

Applications

• Used from ~1837 to reduce 'local action' which degraded operation of Voltaic piles. See History of the battery#Invention.
• To chemically reduce metallic ions in solution. See Jones reductor.
• To reduce ketones and aldehydes to alkanes via the Clemmensen reduction in acidic conditions.