What is the reaction when solid zinc chloride is put into water?

When solid zinc chloride (ZnCl₂) is added to water, it dissolves to form zinc ions (Zn²⁺) and chloride ions (Cl⁻). This process is an example of ionic dissociation, where the polar water molecules surround and separate the zinc and chloride ions, allowing them to disperse in the solution. The dissolution is generally exothermic, releasing a small amount of heat.