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
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- 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
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- 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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