Nickel(II) chloride facts for kids
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Nickel(II) chloride, also called nickelous chloride, is a chemical compound. Its chemical formula is NiCl2. This means it is made of one nickel atom and two chloride atoms. The nickel in this compound has a special electrical charge, which chemists call a +2 oxidation state. The chloride parts are tiny charged particles called ions.
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What is Nickel(II) Chloride Like?
Nickel(II) chloride is usually a yellow-green solid. It can easily dissolve in water. When it dissolves, it often has water molecules attached to it. This form is called "hydrated."
When you mix nickel(II) chloride with ammonia, it creates a pretty purple liquid. If you add hydrochloric acid to it, the solution turns yellow. It also reacts with substances called bases to form another compound known as nickel(II) hydroxide. When nickel(II) chloride is dissolved in water, the liquid is slightly acidic. We measure this acidity using something called pH, and its pH is around 4.
How is Nickel(II) Chloride Made?
Scientists can make nickel(II) chloride in a few ways. One common method is to dissolve pure nickel metal in hydrochloric acid.
You can also make it by reacting other nickel compounds with hydrochloric acid. These compounds include nickel(II) oxide, nickel(II) carbonate, or nickel(II) hydroxide.
What is Nickel(II) Chloride Used For?
Nickel(II) chloride has some important uses:
- Electroplating: It is used to electroplate nickel metal onto other metal objects. This process puts a thin layer of nickel on a surface, often to protect it or make it look shiny.
- Catalyst: It can also act as a catalyst. A catalyst is a substance that helps a chemical reaction happen faster without being used up itself.
Safety Information
It is important to be careful when handling nickel(II) chloride. It can irritate your skin and eyes if it touches them. Scientists have also found that it can increase the risk of certain health problems, so it should always be handled with care and proper safety equipment.
Related Compounds
Images for kids
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This image shows the different colors of nickel compounds when dissolved in water. From left to right, you can see [Ni(NH3)6]2+, [Ni(en)3]2+, [NiCl4]2−, and [Ni(H2O)6]2+.
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See also
In Spanish: Cloruro de níquel para niños
