Nickel Nitrate Formula – Structure, Properties, Uses, Sample Questions

The atomic number 28 is assigned to the nickel element (atomic symbol: Ni). It has an atomic weight of 58.6934 and belongs to Block D, Group 4, Period 4 of the periodic table. Each of nickel’s shells has 2, 8, or 16 electrons. Alex Constant made the discovery of nickel in 1751. It has a glossy metallic silver appearance in its elemental state. Nickel is a ductile and hard transition metal that is corrosion resistant due to its slow rate of oxidation.

Nitrates or NO₃, are inorganic nitrogen-oxygen compounds (one nitrogen and three oxygen molecules). To form sodium nitrate or potassium nitrate, these molecules mix with additional elements such as sodium and potassium.

Nickel Nitrate is a beautiful emerald green crystalline solid that is both hygroscopic and odourless. It’s a one-of-a-kind chemical compound that’s non-combustible yet can speed up the combustion of combustible things. Nickel nitrate is used in nickel plating as well as the creation of nickel catalysts for chemical manufacturing. Let’s look at the chemical makeup of Nickel Nitrate.

Structure for Nickel Nitrate

The chemical formula for nickel nitrate is as follows

One Ni atom, one N atom, and three O atoms make up Nickel Nitrate. Nickel (atomic symbol: Ni) has an atomic number of 28. It belongs to Block D, Group 4, Period 4 and has an atomic weight of 58.6934. Each shell of nickel has two, eight, or sixteen electrons.

Preparation of Nickel Nitrate

Nickel nitrate is formed when nickel oxide reacts with nitric acid.

The reaction is as follows:

NiO + 2HNO₃ + 5H₂O ⇢ Ni(NO₃)₂ + 6H₂O

The creation of anhydrous nickel nitrate is enabled by heating the hydrates.

Ni(CO₄) + 2N₂O₄ ⇢ Ni(NO₃)₂ + 2NO + 4CO

Physical properties of Nickel Nitrate

• The molecular formula of Nickel nitrate is Ni(NO₃)₂ or N₂NiO₆.
• The molecular weight is 182.701 g/mol (anhydrous) and 290.79 g/mol (hexahydrate).
• The density is 2.05 g/cm³.
• The melting point is 56.7 °C.
• The boiling point is 136.7 °C.

Chemical properties of Nickel Nitrate

• Precipitation reaction  When aqueous Nickel nitrate reacts with aqueous sodium hydroxide, forms precipitate Nickel hydroxide which is colourless.

 2 NaOH(aq) +Ni(NO₃)₂ (aq) ⇢ 2 NaNO₃(aq) + Ni(OH)₂ (s)

• Double displacement reaction  when Nickel nitrate reacts with potassium carbonate it undergoes a double displacement reaction and forms Nickel carbonate and potassium nitrate, the reaction s follows: 

 Ni(NO₃)₂  + K₂CO₃  ⇢  NiCO₃  + 2KNO₃

• Nickel nitrate reacts with ammonium to form nitrate Hexa ammine nickel(II), which forms a transition compound

Ni(NO₃)₂  + 6NH₃  ⇢  [Ni(NH₃)₆](NO₃)₂

• when Nickel nitrate reacts with sodium carbonate it undergoes a double displacement reaction and forms Nickel carbonate and sodium nitrate, the reaction is as follows: 

  Ni(NO₃)₂  + Na₂CO₃  ⇢  NiCO₃  + 2NaNO₃

• Displacement reaction – when Nickel nitrate reacts with zinc it undergoes a displacement reaction and forms zinc nitrate and Nickel, the reaction is as follows:

 Ni(NO₃)₂  + Zn   ⇢ Zn(NO₃)₂   +Ni

It dissolves in ethanol, iodine and hydrogen sulphide, it has a strong reaction. In acids and ammonium hydroxide, nickel hydroxide dissolves quickly. Water, on the other hand, is almost insoluble in it. It decomposes into nickel oxide and water when heated to high temperatures. Nickel nitrate, or its hydrate, is an inorganic substance. It is extremely rare in its anhydrous form. As a result, we normally refer to nickel (II) nitrate hexahydrate when we say nickel nitrate.

As a result, hydrated nitrate is commonly employed as a precursor for nickel catalyst support. Nickel nitrate is an oxidizing agent, like other nitrates. An explosion can occur as a result of long-term fire or heat exposure. Toxic nitrogen oxides may be produced in fires involving this substance.

Uses of Nickel Nitrate

• Nickel nitrate is a precursor of nickel hydrazine nitrate, which is highly explosive. 
• For applications requiring material solubilization, they are a suitable source of Nickel Nitrate. 
• It’s also utilized in a nickel plating and the manufacture of nickel catalysts for chemical processing.

Harmful effects of Nickel Nitrate

• It irritates the eyes, skin, and respiratory tract, among other things.
• It may also irritate the skin.
• Nickel is a highly hazardous ion for aquatic creatures.

Sample Questions

Questions 1: Calculate Nickel Nitrate’s molar mass.

Solution:

Its molecular formula is as follows: Ni(NO₃)₂

It will have the following molar mass

=58.6934+2×14.0067+6×15.9994

= 182.7032 gram per mole.

Questions 2: With what Nickel nitrate reacts?

Solution: 

Nickel nitrate is a powerful oxidant that reacts violently with reducing compounds (magnesium or aluminium powder, tin(II) chloride, for example). A potentially hazardous fire hazard that also functions as an oxygen transporter. When nickel nitrate is heated to breakdown, highly hazardous nitrogen oxide gases are released.

Questions 3: What is the colour of nickel (II) nitrate?

Solution:

Nickel(II) nitrate is an oxidizing agent that is a green crystalline solid with nitrate ions. 

Questions 4:  What is the solubility of nickel? What happens when nickel nitrate is dissolved in water?

Solution:

Elementary nickel is insoluble in water at 20°C and 1 bar pressure. Nickel complexes, on the other hand, could be soluble in water. Nickel nitrate dissolves in water. It will speed the combustion of combustible materials despite being non-combustible. If a considerable amount of combustible material is engaged in a fire, or if the combustible material is finely divided, an explosion may occur. When a person is exposed to fire or heat over an extended period of time, an explosion might occur.

Questions 5: What is the purpose of nickel nitrate?

Solution:

Nickel Nitrate is a crystalline (sand-like) solid that is odourless and yellow to green in colour. Nickel plating, Nickel catalysts, and ceramic hues are all made with it.

Questions 6: What occurs when nickel nitrate and sodium hydroxide are combined?

Solution:

When nickel nitrate reacts with sodium nitrate a light green precipitate is formed.

Ni(NO₃)₂ (aq)  + 2 NaOH (aq)  ⇢  Ni(OH)₂ (s)  + 2 NaNO₃ (aq)

Questions 7: Is nickel nitrate a dangerous substance?

Solution:

Eye: Severe eye discomfort and injury are possible. 

Skin: It irritates the skin. Skin sensitization, or an allergic reaction, may occur after repeated exposure to this material.

Ingestion: Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhoea may occur as a result of gastrointestinal irritation.