Nickel Nitrate
Nickel Nitrate
NICKEL NITRATE
Nickel Nitrate is an inorganic compound mostly encountered in hydrated form. The anhydrous form is not common. This salt is also named Nickelous Nitrate. Nickel nitrate is a green crystalline solid that is water-soluble. Though it is non-combustible, it accelerates the burning of combustible materials. Prolonged submission to heat may result in an explosion.
Its hexahydrate form is monoclinic structured. This solid is hygroscopic and carcinogenic, also causes skin allergy. It is soluble in ethanol, water, and ammonium hydroxide. It causes a violent reaction with reducing materials as it is a powerful oxidizing agent. As it is an oxygen carrier so there are fire hazards. When heated to decomposition, it emits very toxic fumes of nitrogen oxides, at a temperature above 500C. As in metallic form, nickel is known to be unreactive. However, it is sparingly soluble in hydrochloric acid, dilute nitric acid, and sulphuric acid. It has lower acidity.
USES AND APPLICATIONS FOR Nickel Nitrate
It has several uses like:-
- It is primarily used in electroplating metallic nickel.
- It is also used in electrotyping.
- Its hydrated form is mainly used as a precursor to nickel catalysts, and for nickel hydrazine nitrate which is an explosive.
- It functions in the manufacturing of brown ceramic colors.
- It is used in nickel-cadmium batteries.
- It works as a colorant for glass.
- It serves as a cooling agent.
- It is also served in automotive catalyst production.
- It works in surface finishing and aluminum anodizing.
Nickel Nitrate is a very toxic compound for aquatic organisms. It has a refractive index of 1.42 (hexahydrate form). This solid is not soluble in organic solvents. It has a specific gravity of 2.05 at 68° F. This nitrate salt is also irritating to the eyes, skin, and, upon inhalation of the dust, respiratory tract. Its heat of solution is 1.1×10+5 J/kg and its aqueous solution has pH of 4(acid).
It is generated by the reaction of hydrates with dinitrogen pentoxide with dinitrogen tetroxide.