What is Nickel Sulphate?
Nickel sulphate is an inorganic compound that exists in different states depending on its hydrated forms. The chemical formula for nickel sulphate is NiSO4. Based on the degree of hydration the colour of the compound differs. Nickel dust is highly flammable. The salts of nickel compounds are toxic in nature and nickel sulphate is a known carcinogen. It is yellow and readily soluble in water.
Other names – Nickel(II) sulphate, Nickelous sulphate, Nickel(2+) sulphate
| NiSO4 | Nickel Sulphate |
| Density | 3.68 g/cm³ |
| Molecular Weight/ Molar Mass | 154.75 g/mol |
| Boiling Point | 840 °C |
| Melting Point | > 100 °C |
| Chemical Formula | NiSO4 |
Nickel Sulphate Structure – NiSO4
Physical Properties of Nickel Sulphate – NiSO4
| Odour | Odourless |
| Appearance | blue crystals (hexahydrate); yellow solid (anhydrous); green-blue crystals (heptahydrate) |
| Covalently-Bonded Unit | 2 |
| Hydrogen Bond Acceptor | 4 |
| Complexity | 62.2 |
| Solubility | Freely soluble in water |
Chemical Properties of Nickel Sulphate – NiSO4
- Nickel sulphate reacts with base say sodium hydroxide forming nickel hydroxide and sodium sulphate. The chemical equation is given below.
NiSO4 + 2 NaOH → Ni(OH)2 + Na2SO4
- Nickel sulphate undergoes a double displacement reaction with hydrochloric acid forming nickel chloride and sulfuric acid. The chemical equation is given below.
NiSO4 + HCl → NiCl + HSO4
Uses of Nickel Sulphate – NiSO4
- The main use of nickel sulphate is as the electrolyte for the metal-finishing application of nickel electroplating.
- Used as a mordant, in colouring metals, in ceramics and for producing driers for use in protective shields.
- A special nickel-iron alloy is widely used in lead frames, while a Cu-Ni-Sn alloy is used in terminals, clips and springs.
- Nickel sulphate is used in electroplating baths and for the production of other nickel compounds for example nickel hydroxide.
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Chemical Composition: Nickel sulfate, with the chemical formula NiSO4, is an inorganic compound existing in different hydrated forms. The degree of hydration influences the color of the compound. It's crucial to note that nickel sulfate is highly flammable, and its salts are toxic, with the compound itself being a known carcinogen.
Physical Properties:
- Density: The density of nickel sulfate is 3.68 g/cm³.
- Molecular Weight: The molar mass is 154.75 g/mol.
- Boiling Point: It has a boiling point of 840 °C.
- Melting Point: The melting point is greater than 100 °C.
- Appearance: It appears as blue crystals (hexahydrate), yellow solid (anhydrous), and green-blue crystals (heptahydrate).
- Odor: Nickel sulfate is odorless.
Chemical Properties:
- Covalently-Bonded Unit: It consists of two hydrogen atoms.
- Hydrogen Bond Acceptor: There are four hydrogen bond acceptors.
- Complexity: The complexity is measured at 62.2.
- Solubility: Nickel sulfate is freely soluble in water.
Chemical Reactions: Nickel sulfate exhibits reactions with certain chemicals. For instance:
- Reacts with sodium hydroxide: NiSO4 + 2 NaOH → Ni(OH)2 + Na2SO4
- Undergoes a double displacement reaction with hydrochloric acid: NiSO4 + HCl → NiCl + HSO4
Uses: Nickel sulfate finds various applications, such as:
- Primary use as the electrolyte for nickel electroplating in metal-finishing applications.
- Utilized as a mordant, in coloring metals, ceramics, and for producing driers used in protective shields.
- Found in special nickel-iron alloys used in lead frames and Cu-Ni-Sn alloys used in terminals, clips, and springs.
- Used in electroplating baths and the production of other nickel compounds, like nickel hydroxide.
Understanding the properties and applications of nickel sulfate is crucial for those involved in chemistry, materials science, and industrial processes. If you have any specific questions or need further details, feel free to ask.
