1. Performance Chemicals

• Epoxide Ring with Thiols: Zinc perchlorate hexahydrate efficiently catalyzes the reaction of epoxides with thiols to produce 2-hydroxy sulfides, which are valuable synthetic intermediates. These reactions often proceed under solvent-free conditions and at room temperature, making them convenient and environmentally friendly. 
• Epoxide Ring With Amines: It also catalyzes the opening of epoxide rings by amines, leading to the formation of 2-amino alcohols. This reaction is notable for its chemo-, regio-, and stereoselectivity, making it useful for synthesizing complex molecules like cardiovascular drugs such as propranolol and naftopidil. 
• Acylation Reactions: Zinc perchlorate hexahydrate can catalyze the acylation of various substrates, including electron-deficient phenols, sterically hindered alcohols, and amines.
• Synthesis of Dihydropyrimidinones: This compound acts as an efficient catalyst for the one-pot synthesis of 3,4-dihydropyrimidin-2(1H)-ones under solvent-free conditions, offering advantages like high yields and short reaction times compared to the classical Biginelli reaction.

2. Pharmaceuticals

• Catalyst for Epoxide Opening: Zinc perchlorate hexahydrate is a highly effective catalyst for the reaction of thiols with epoxides to produce 2-hydroxysulfides. 
• Solvent-Free Conditions: This reaction can be carried out under solvent-free conditions, which simplifies the process and reduces the need for environmentally harmful solvents. 
• Synthesis of Pharmaceutical Intermediates: 2-Hydroxysulfides are important building blocks for synthesizing various pharmaceuticals and natural products, making zinc perchlorate hexahydrate a valuable tool in the pharmaceutical industry.