What is Nickel Sulfate?
Nickel sulfate is an inorganic compound exists in different states depending on its hydrated forms. The chemical formula for nickel sulfate 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 sulfate is a known carcinogen. It is yellow and readily soluble in water.
Other names – Nickel(II) sulfate, Nickelous sulfate, Nickel(2+) sulfate
| NiSO4 | Nickel Sulfate |
| 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 Sulfate Structure – NiSO4
Physical Properties of Nickel Sulfate – NiSO4
| Odour | Odorless |
| 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 Sulfate – NiSO4
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- Nickel sulfate reacts with base say sodium hydroxide forms nickel hydroxide and sodium sulfate. The chemical equation is given below.
NiSO4 + NaOH → Ni(OH)2 + Na2SO4
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- Nickel sulfate undergo 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 Sulfate – NiSO4
- The main use of nickel sulfate is as the electrolyte for the metal- finishing application of nickel electroplating.
- Used as a mordant, in coloring 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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