Nickel(II) chloride
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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.
Properties
[change | change source]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
[change | change source]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.
Uses
[change | change source]It is used to electroplate nickel metal on metal objects. It is also used as a catalyst.
Safety
[change | change source]Nickel(II) chloride irritates skin and eyes. It can also cause cancer.