Ernst Carl Theodor Zincke (19 May 1843 – 17 March 1928) was a German chemist and the academic adviser of Otto Hahn.

Theodor Zincke was born in Uelzen on 19 May 1843.

He began studying chemistry with Friedrich Wöhler and received his Ph.D in 1869.

He joined the group of August Kekulé at the University of Bonn, and in 1875 became professor at the University of Marburg where he remained until his retirement in 1913.

Theodor Zincke died on 17 March 1928 in Marburg.