Nickel(II) chloride

chemical compound

Nickel(II) chloride, also known as nickelous chloride, is a chemical compound. Its chemical formula is NiCl2. It contains nickel in its +2 oxidation state. It also contains chloride ions.

Nickel(II) chloride

Properties

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It is a yellow-green solid. It dissolves in water. It normally is attached to water molecules (hydrated). It reacts with ammonia to make a purple solution. It also reacts with hydrochloric acid to make a yellow solution. It reacts with bases to make nickel(II) hydroxide. Solutions of nickel(II) chloride have a pH of 4.

Preparation

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It is made by dissolving nickel metal in hydrochloric acid. It also can be made by reacting nickel(II) oxide, nickel(II) carbonate, or nickel(II) hydroxide with hydrochloric acid.

It is used to electroplate nickel metal on metal objects. It is also used as a catalyst.

Safety

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Nickel(II) chloride irritates skin and eyes. It can also cause cancer.

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