It can be prepared by first dissolving zinc oxide in concentrated aqueous solution of sodium hydroxide. The resulting solution is strongly diluted.
:Zn²⁺ + 2 OH^- -> Zn(OH)₂.

The initial colorless solution contains the zincate ion:
:Zn(OH)₂ + 2 OH^- -> Zn(OH)₄^2-.Zinc hydroxide will dissolve because the ion is normally surrounded by water ligands; when excess sodium hydroxide is