Tetrachlorozincate

Tetrachlorozincate is an anion with the formula [ZnCl4](2−). It is a counterion that is often used in conjunction with strong electrophiles. Being dianionic, tetrachlorozincate is not classified as a weakly coordinating anion. On the other hand, being dianionic, tetrachlorozincate facilitates the crystallization of many salts. It has a tetrahedral molecular geometry. A simple example is [NH4]2[ZnCl4] (ammonium tetrachlorozincate). Zincates are anionic zinc complexes.

Related to the preparation of Lucas' reagent, tetrachlorozincates are often generated by combining hydrochloric acid and zinc chloride.

A related anion is [Zn2Cl6](2−), in which again Zn(II) adopts a tetrahedral geometry.