Zinc oxide is amphoteric; it reacts with organic and inorganic acids, and also dissolves in alkalis and ammonia solution to form zincates. It combines readily with acidic gases (e. g., CO2, SO2, and H2S). It reacts at high temperatures with other oxides to form compounds such as zinc ferrites.
2.3.3
Production
The total production capacity in Europe is approximately 265,000 tons p. a., about 5-7% thereof is produced by the wet process, 10-20% by the direct process, and the main quantities (>81%) are manufactured by the indirect process.
2.3.3.1