Nickel chloride

Nickel chloride most commonly refers to the inorganic compound with the formula NiCl₂·6H₂O. It is a key nickel compound used in plating,battery materials and catalyst etc.

Key Properties

Ni w%    ≧24

Co   w%   ≦0.001

Cu   w%   ≦0.005

Fe   w%   ≦0.005

Zn   w%   ≦0.005

Cd   w%   ≦0.005

Pb   w%   ≦0.005

Cr6+  w%   ≦0.005

As    w%   ≦0.005

Mn   w%   ≦0.005

Chemical Formula: NiCl₂ (anhydrous) | NiCl₂·6H₂O  

Appearance:Green crystalline solid.

Solubility: Highly soluble in water, forming a green acidic solution.

Primary Uses

1.Electroplating: One of the most important uses. It is the primary source of nickel ions in electroplating baths (e.g., Watts bath) to deposit a layer of nickel onto metals for corrosion resistance, hardness, and decoration.

2.Catalyst Precursor: Used as a precursor to catalysts for organic synthesis, hydrogenation, and in the chlorination of hydrocarbons. The compound Nickel chloride / Zinc (NiCl₂/Zn) is a classic system for the reductive coupling of alkyl halides.

3.Chemical Intermediate: Used to make other nickel salts and nickel compounds, such as nickel catalysts and complex pigments.

4.Absorbent for Ammonia: In gas masks and industrial scrubbers.

5.Laboratory Reagent: Used in various synthetic and analytical chemistry applications.

6.Battery materials.

Health and Safety Hazards

Nickel chloride is regulated as a hazardous substance due to its:

Toxicity: Harmful if swallowed, inhaled, or absorbed through the skin.

Carcinogenicity: Nickel compounds are classified as Group 1 (Carcinogenic to humans) by IARC, linked to lung and nasal cancers upon inhalation of dusts/mists.

Skin Sensitization: A known skin allergen (nickel allergy is common). Can cause contact dermatitis.

Environmental Toxicity: Very toxic to aquatic life with long-lasting effects.

Proper personal protective equipment (PPE) like gloves and dust masks, and engineering controls (fume hoods) are essential when handling it.

Summary

Nickel chloride (NiCl₂) is a versatile, water-soluble nickel salt of major industrial importance, chiefly in electroplating and as a catalyst. However, its handling requires strict safety precautions due to its significant health hazards, including being a confirmed human carcinogen upon inhalation.

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