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

Nickel is a transition metal with the atomic number 28 that is found in the fourth period/row of the periodic table. It is a necessary vitamin for the body, but excessive use can be harmful. Humans can become infected by breathing in contaminated air, drinking infected water, eating infected food, or smoking cigarettes. A high nickel intake can lead to lung cancer, nose cancer, larynx cancer, and prostate cancer. Sulfate (SO₄^2-) is one of the most common chemical compounds found as naturally occurring minerals on Earth. It is found mostly in the environment as a result of atmospheric and terrestrial activities. Sulfur emitted from evaporite deposits, sulfide-containing rocks and minerals, and even volcanoes is an important source of sulfate. Sulfate is a chemical substance that is made up of sulfur and oxygen atoms. 

Nickel Sulphate Formula

Nickel sulfate is a crystalline inorganic chemical that is yellow, green, or blue in color and emits hazardous fumes when heated. It is used in electroplating and as a chemical intermediary in the production of other types of nickel compounds. Nickel sulfate is a byproduct of copper refining and occurs naturally as retgersite, a rare mineral. 

Retgersite is a chemical that may be seen in kitchenware, jewelry, coins, metal buttons, and spectacles. Nickel sulfate is also used to make paper clips, keys, enamel colors, and electrical wire. Nickel sulfate hexahydrate is also known as blue salt. It can also be produced by dissolving nickel metal or nickel oxides in sulfuric acid. Some of the other names for Nickel sulfate: Nickel(II) sulfate, Nickelous sulfate, Nickel(2+) sulfate

The chemical formula of Nickel Sulphate is NiSO₄, and this chemical formula contains one atom of Ni, one atom of S and 4 atoms of O.

Structure of Nickel Sulphate 

Physical Properties of Nickel Sulphate  

Nickel Sulfate	NiSO4
Density	3.68 g/cm³
Molecular Weight/ Molar Mass	154.75 g/mol
Boiling Point	840°C
Melting Point	> 100°C
Odor	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 Sulphate 

• When nickel sulfate combines with a base, such as sodium hydroxide, it produces nickel hydroxide and sodium sulfate.

NiSO₄ + NaOH → Ni(OH)₂ + Na₂SO₄

• Nickel chloride and sulfuric acid are formed as a result of a twofold displacement reaction between nickel sulfate and hydrochloric acid. 

NiSO₄ + HCl → NiCl + HSO₄ 

Uses of Nickel Sulphate 

Nickel sulfate is used in the following ways,

1. As an electrolyte in metal surface finishing operations such as metal plating and electrorefining.
2. Many Nickel catalysts and compounds are prepared with it.
3. As a flashing reducing agent on steel surfaces, imparting Nickel coating from the surface.
4. To darken brass and zinc.
5. As a mordant in metals, textiles, and ceramics dyeing and printing.
6. As a coating for a variety of metals.
7. In the manufacture of driers used in protective shields. 

Sample Questions

Question 1: How should nickel sulfate waste be disposed of?

Answer: 

Nickel sulphate is carcinogenic, it cannot be disposed away in water drains. To dispose of, the following procedures are used:

• It can be destroyed by immersing it in a strong solution of sodium dichromate and sulfuric acid. Nickel Sulphate is totally destroyed in one to two days. The residue is then flushed down the sewer with a considerable volume of water.
• It may also be destroyed by interacting with nucleophiles such as ammonia, thiosulphate, and hydroxyl ions. Before the treatment, first dissolve Nickel Sulphate in ethanol to speed up the process. 

Question 2: What are the safety and packaging requirements while working with NiSO₄?

Answer: 

Toxic gases and chemicals and heat are produced during the treatment of Nickel Sulphate. It is dangerous to one’s health. To avoid negative health impacts, it should be handled, packed, and shipped with care.

The following are the precautions to take when working with NiSO₄.

• Before handling NiSO₄, proper training should be provided.
• The location where NiSO₄ treatment and storage will take place should be clearly identified and separated from other operations.
• It should not be treated or stored near oxidising chemicals since it is incompatible with them.
• When working with NiSO₄, wear masks, gloves, goggles, and aprons. 
• Get fire extinguisher facilities and water sprays to keep containers cool if they catch fire.
• Cold, firmly packed containers made of antioxidant material should be used for storage and shipment of Nickel Sulphate. 

Question 3: Is nickel sulfate dangerous?

Answer:

Nickel sulphate is an inorganic crystalline substance. Nickel sulphate is produced as a byproduct of copper refining. It occurs naturally as retgersite, a rare mineral. Because nickel sulphate is a carcinogen, it should be handled with great caution.
Nickel sulphate is also related to male infertility and testicular damage. Nickel sulphate may irritate and burn the skin and eyes if it comes into contact with them. Nickel sulphate inhalation can irritate the nose, throat, and lungs, leading in coughing, mucous, and shortness of breath. 

Question 4: Is nickel sulfate soluble in water?

Answer:

Nickel Sulfate is a sulfate-compatible nickel source that is moderately water and acid soluble. Sulfate compounds are sulfuric acid salts or esters produced by replacing one or both hydrogens with a metal. 

Question 5: What color is the solution of nickel sulfate?

Answer:

Anhydrous nickel sulphate is a crystalline yellow-green solid. Nickel sulphate is also obtainable in hexahydrate form (NiSO₄. 6H₂O), which is blue to emerald green, and heptahydrate form (NiSO₄. 7H₂O), which is green. 

Question 6: What are nickel’s impacts on the human body?

Answer: 

Nickel exposure can result in a number of negative health impacts, including allergies, cardiovascular and renal illness, lung fibrosis, and lung and nose cancer.